dastardliness
/dæs.tərd.li.nəs/
NOUN
1. Cowardice and lack of courage
The quality or state of being cowardly, lacking bravery, or showing fear when facing danger, difficulty, or responsibility.
1.1. Lack of courage or bravery
The quality of being unwilling to face danger, hardship, or confrontation because of fear or insufficient courage.
Synonyms
- cowardice
- cowardliness
- cravenness
- chickenheartedness
- faintheartedness
- poltroonery
- pusillanimity
- gutlessness
- spinelessness
- timidity
- timorousness
- fearfulness
Antonyms
- bravery
- boldness
- courage
- courageousness
- fearlessness
- fortitude
- gallantry
- heroism
- intrepidity
- valor
- pluck
- dauntlessness
Examples
- The dastardliness of his actions left a lasting stain on his reputation in the community.
- His dastardliness became evident when he abandoned his companions in the face of danger.
- The soldiers condemned the commander's dastardliness after he fled the battlefield.
Related Words
- diffidence
- weakness
- feebleness
- unmanliness
- faint-heartedness
- timorousness
1.2. Timidity and excessive fearfulness
A tendency to be excessively cautious, fearful, or hesitant when confronted with uncertainty, risk, or challenging situations.
Synonyms
- timidity
- fearfulness
- faintheartedness
- diffidence
- bashfulness
Antonyms
- audacity
- boldness
- bravery
- courage
- daring
- fearlessness
- gumption
- nerve
- spunk
Examples
- His dastardliness prevented him from speaking up when the injustice occurred.
- The team's excessive dastardliness kept them from taking necessary risks.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Despicable or dishonorable conduct
The quality of behaving in a contemptible, dishonorable, or morally reprehensible manner, especially through cowardly or treacherous actions.
2.1. Cowardly and contemptible behavior
Conduct characterized by a shameful lack of courage, particularly when someone abandons, betrays, or takes advantage of others in difficult circumstances.
Synonyms
- cowardice
- cowardliness
- cravenness
- gutlessness
- poltroonery
- pusillanimity
- spinelessness
Antonyms
Examples
- The dastardliness of his actions left a lasting stain on his reputation.
- Her smile masked the dastardliness of her intentions, betraying those who trusted her.
- The plot unraveled, revealing the extent of the villain's dastardliness to the unsuspecting public.