What does cravenness mean?
Cravenness is the noun form of the adjective 'craven' and denotes contemptible cowardice — a shameful absence of courage, particularly when circumstances demand that one act, speak, or take responsibility. Where 'cowardice' is the general, neutral term for fear-driven avoidance, cravenness carries a sharper edge of moral judgment: it suggests weakness that is abject, servile, or self-serving rather than merely timid. The word is chiefly literary and formal, appearing most often in editorial writing, criticism, and historical prose, as in 'the minister's cravenness before the press barons'. It typically modifies or follows words like sheer, utter, or political, and it is almost always pejorative. Because it names not just an emotion but a perceived defect of character, accusing someone of cravenness is a serious charge — which is precisely what makes the word a pointed and useful instrument of condemnation.
nounThe quality or state of being craven; contemptible cowardice or lack of courage, especially in the face of danger, difficulty, or moral challenge.
- Contemptible cowardice; lack of courage, especially when duty or principle demands action.
"His cravenness in refusing to defend his colleague shocked the entire department."
"The committee's cravenness in avoiding any real decision disappointed reformers."
"She accused the government of moral cravenness for bowing to pressure from its wealthiest donors."
Rarely used; cravenness is normally treated as uncountable, though a plural form exists for referring to multiple instances of cowardly behavior.
"The report catalogued the administration's various cravennesses over the past decade."
The word 'craven' once described someone who had legally 'sued for peace' after defeat — so calling a knight craven was essentially branding him a deserter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cravenness
Cravenness derives from 'craven', an adjective borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-Norman French (compare Old French créanté), meaning defeated or yielding — literally one who has sued for peace. The ultimate further origin of the French term is uncertain, though it is often connected to words for believing or submitting. The suffix '-ness' was added in English to form an abstract noun, following the regular pattern used to make qualities from adjectives. A notable relative sharing this French lineage is 'recreant', another medieval term for a coward or deserter.
Related word forms
How cravenness is actually used
A formal, literary, and strongly condemnatory term; it carries more contempt than plain 'cowardice', implying not just fear but a shameful failure of character or principle. It appears mostly in written English — editorials, criticism, historical writing — rather than everyday conversation.
Easily confused with cravenness
'Craven' is primarily an adjective meaning cowardly (and can also be a noun for a coward), while 'cravenness' is the noun denoting the abstract quality of such cowardice.
'Craving' means an intense desire for something, whereas 'cravenness' denotes cowardice; the words look similar but are unrelated in sense.