Definition

Noun (uncountable): The quality or state of lacking courage, confidence, or determination; timidity or cowardice. It describes a tendency to be easily discouraged or afraid, especially in the face of difficulty, danger, or challenge.

Usage Examples

• (His lack of courage stopped him from seeking advancement.)
• (Their timidity caused them to lose.)
• (She conquered her fear and expressed her opinion.)

Advanced Usage

• "to show faint-heartedness": to display a lack of bravery or resolve.

  • The explorer never showed faint-heartedness, even in the most perilous situations. (He never exhibited cowardice.)

• "an act of faint-heartedness": a specific instance of timidity or fearfulness.

  • Abandoning the project was an act of faint-heartedness that they later regretted. (Giving up was a cowardly decision.)

Variants and Related Words

• Faint-hearted (adj): lacking courage; timid.

  • The faint-hearted soldier hesitated before the battle. (The timid soldier delayed.)

• Faint-heartedly (adv): in a timid or cowardly manner.

  • He faint-heartedly declined the challenge. (He refused the challenge out of fear.)

Synonyms

• Timidity: the quality of being shy or easily frightened.
• Cowardice: lack of bravery in facing danger or pain.
• Spinelessness: lack of courage or determination.
• Weakness: lack of strength of character.

Antonyms

• Courage: the ability to face danger or difficulty without fear.
• Boldness: willingness to take risks or act confidently.
• Bravery: courageous behavior or character.

Related Idioms

• "to have a faint heart": to be timid or easily discouraged.

  • She has a faint heart and avoids any risky ventures. (She is naturally timid.)

• "faint heart never won fair lady": a proverb meaning that timidity prevents success.

  • He remembered that faint heart never won fair lady, so he asked her out. (He recalled that courage is needed to achieve goals.)