pusillanimousness
- noun
- /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməsnəs/
- Formal
:
pusilanimidad
- His pusillanimousness became apparent when he refused to support his friends in times of trouble.
Examples
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The manager's pusillanimousness prevented her from addressing the team's critical issues directly.
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Some leaders are known more for their pusillanimousness than for their decisiveness and strength.
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His pusillanimousness prevented him from taking risks.
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The team's pusillanimousness was evident during the competition.
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His pusillanimousness was evident when he hesitated to voice his opinion at the meeting.
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The pusillanimousness displayed by the soldiers was surprising, given their previous courage in battle.
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Her pusillanimousness led her to avoid confrontation, even when her friends needed her support.
Synonyms
46
5.5
Lack of courage to face danger or difficulty
7
5.8
Feeling too shy or afraid to try new things
1
4.5
Being easily frightened and nervous in new or dangerous situations
1
7.6
A tendency to be easily frightened or nervous
1
9.9
Being too afraid to do what is needed
1
6.6
Lack of courage when facing danger or difficulty
1
4.9
Feeling afraid and not confident in new or unknown situations
A complete lack of courage that makes someone act shamefully
A shameful fear that makes a person avoid danger and refuse to stand up for others
Being very cowardly in a shameful way
A strong fear of trying new things or meeting new people
A tendency to be easily scared or nervous
Antonyms
How Courageous
Surface Forms
Morphology
pusillanimousness = pusillanimous (opaque) = pusillanim + ous + ness
The root 'pusillanim' is not a recognizable English word, making the word opaque for learners.
Etymology
Pusillanimousness comes from Latin parts pusillus ('very small') and animus ('spirit' or 'mind'). So, imagine a 'very small spirit' as a memory hook to remember it means a weak or cowardly state, a lack of courage.