Definition

Adjective: - Lacking courage or determination; timid and easily discouraged: Describes a person who is not brave, who hesitates to take action or face difficulty due to fear or lack of confidence.

Usage

The adjective "faint-hearted" is used to describe someone's character or a specific action that shows timidity. It often carries a slightly critical or disapproving tone, suggesting that more courage is expected or needed. - It typically precedes a noun (e.g., a faint-hearted attempt) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "seem." - It is a formal or literary term. In everyday speech, words like "timid" or "cowardly" are more common.

Examples

• Describing a person:

  • The challenge was not for the faint-hearted; it required immense stamina and nerve.
  • He was too faint-hearted to voice his disagreement in the meeting.

• Describing an action or effort:

  • They made only a faint-hearted attempt to solve the problem before giving up.
  • The government's faint-hearted reforms failed to address the core issues.

Advanced Usage

• "faint-heartedness" (noun): The quality or state of being faint-hearted.
  • His faint-heartedness prevented him from seizing the opportunity.

Variants and Related Words

• Faint heart (noun phrase): A timid or cowardly disposition. Often used in the proverb "Faint heart never won fair lady," meaning that timidity will not lead to success, especially in romance.
  • He finally asked her out, remembering that faint heart never won fair lady.

Synonyms

• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence.
• Cowardly: Lacking courage.
• Timorous: Showing or suffering from nervousness or a lack of confidence.
• Pusillanimous (formal): Showing a lack of courage or determination.

Antonyms

• Courageous: Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.
• Bold: Showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.
• Intrepid: Fearless; adventurous.
• Brave: Ready to face and endure danger or pain.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Not for the faint-hearted: Used to describe something that is very challenging, intense, or frightening and therefore unsuitable for people who are easily scared or lack determination.
  • This horror movie is not for the faint-hearted.
  • The advanced mountaineering course is not for the faint-hearted.

Adjective

1. lacking conviction or boldness or courage
   • faint heart ne'er won fair lady