spinelessness

1 7.7

A lack of courage or will to act

noun
/ˈspaɪnˌlɛs.nəs/

: falta de carácter

After witnessing his spinelessness in front of the bully, his friends decided to intervene.

Examples

(If that's really when he decided on Romney, then it wasn't in response to truly bad polling news—it was the result of his characteristic spinelessness and fear.)

Blog text (32)
The team's spinelessness during negotiations disappointed their fans, who expected them to fight for their rights.
The very fact that my Valiant was having engine problems seemed to be my fault, another example of my spinelessness.

Fiction book (1993)
Mr. Roosevelt, we are now in grave danger of erring too far on the side of spinelessness...

Academic text (2018)
Sign of spinelessness.

Fiction book (1991)
Indeed, the message Washington is sending to allies and foes alike is one of weakness and spinelessness.

Academic text (2013)
I loathe such spinelessness.

Fiction book (1991)
Much ado about nothing here, but the repeater press will try to make something out of nothing to distract from Obama's failed policy of spinelessness in the Middle East: "Obama, Obama, we are all Osama."

Blog text (3)
Her spinelessness made it difficult for her to stand up for herself in tough situations.

Synonyms

cowardice

vsspinelessness

46 5.5

Lack of courage to face danger or difficulty

covers a broader lack of courage and weak resolve beyond fear

gutlessness

vsspinelessness

1 8.2

To be afraid to take risks or face difficulties

stresses weak character and irresolute disposition rather than only fear

cowardliness

vsspinelessness

1 6.6

Lack of courage when facing danger or difficulty

focuses more on an irresolute disposition and weak character than timidity

cravenness

vsspinelessness

Formal

9.9

A shameful fear that makes a person avoid danger and refuse to stand up for others

refers to weak courage and lack of resolve rather than moral meanness

Antonyms

strength

∞ 1.2

Physical or mental power a person has to act

courage

∞ 1.4

Doing something even if you feel afraid or are in danger

determination

142 3.0

Being firm and not giving up when trying to reach a goal

How Courageous

heroism

57 4.2

bravery

104 2.3

courage

∞ 1.4

cowardice

46 5.5

spinelessness

1 7.7

timidity

7 5.8

Surface Forms

spinelessness singular

spinelessnesses plural

Morphology

spinelessness = spineless (semi-transparent) = spine + less + ness

The noun is a regular nominalization of the adjective 'spineless', which itself is a metaphorical 'without a backbone' meaning; the chain is clear but relies on a figurative sense.

Etymology

Spinelessness comes from spine ('backbone') and -less ('without'), so it paints a picture of someone 'without a backbone'. That's why spinelessness means a lack of courage or strong character.