What does pusillanimous mean?
Pusillanimous is a formal adjective meaning excessively timid, cowardly, or unwilling to face difficulty and danger. It describes someone who lacks the courage to act decisively, resist pressure, or accept a challenge. The word is typically critical and literary: calling a decision or response pusillanimous suggests that it was not merely cautious but feeble or surrendering. It appears especially in discussion of politics, leadership, conflict, and moral courage. Although “timid” and “cowardly” are simpler alternatives, “pusillanimous” carries a more formal, elevated, and distinctly disapproving tone, making it useful for precise condemnation of spineless or fainthearted conduct.
adjectiveLacking courage or resolution; excessively timid and easily discouraged.
- Lacking courage or resolution; excessively timid.
- Showing weak or cowardly resistance; unwilling to face difficulty or danger.
"His pusillanimous response to the challenge disappointed everyone."
"The committee's pusillanimous decision was widely criticised."
"Rather than remain pusillanimous, she confronted the problem directly."
A single Latin root meaning “little soul” gave English one of its sharpest descriptions of cowardice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pusillanimous come from?
The word comes from Latin pusillanimus, formed from pusillus, meaning “small” or “little,” and animus, meaning “soul” or “spirit.” The compound literally conveyed the idea of a “little soul” and came to mean timid or cowardly. Its cognate animus is the source of words such as unanimous and magnanimous, which retain related ideas of shared spirit and a generous spirit.
Related word forms
How pusillanimous is actually used
A formal and distinctly critical term, especially when describing a person's behaviour, conduct, or response to a challenge. It is more literary and more forceful than simply “timid.”
Easily confused with pusillanimous
Magnanimous means generous and noble, especially in the face of a challenge or defeat, whereas pusillanimous means timid and lacking courage.