pusillanimity

UK: /ˌpjuːsɪləˈnɪmɪtɪ/

US: /ˌpjusələˈnɪmɪti/

US: (pyo̅o̅′sə lə nim′i tē)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pu•sil•la•nim•i•ty  (pyo̅o̅′sə lə nim′i tē), n. 

1. the state or condition of being pusillanimous;
   timidity;
   cowardliness.

• Late Latin pusillanimitās. See pusillanimous, -ity
• Middle English 1350–1400

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pu•sil•lan•i•mous /ˌpyusəˈlænəməs/   adj. 

1. lacking courage or the will to go on; cowardly.

pu•sil•la•nim•i•ty /ˌpyusələˈnɪmɪti/  n. [uncountable] See -anima-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pu•sil•lan•i•mous  (pyo̅o̅′sə lan′ə məs), adj. 

1. lacking courage or resolution;
   cowardly;
   faint-hearted;
   timid.
2. proceeding from or indicating a cowardly spirit.

• Late Latin pusillanimis petty-spirited, equivalent. to Latin pusill(us) very small, petty + -anim(is) -spirited, -minded (anim(us) spirit + -is adjective, adjectival suffix); see -ous
• 1580–90

pu′sil•lan′i•mous•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. timorous, fearful, frightened.