Pusillanimous
hardpyoo-suh-LAN-uh-mus
adjective
Definition
Lacking courage or resolution; cowardly
Examples
“The general's pusillanimous decision to retreat without fighting earned him the contempt of his soldiers.”
“His pusillanimous refusal to stand up for his beliefs made him lose the respect of his peers.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Pusillanimous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "cowardly" or "timorous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "courageous".
Related GRE Words
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
parsimonious
Unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy
benevolent
Well-meaning and kindly; generous and charitable
audacious
Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
daunt
To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive
malleable
Easily influenced or changed; adaptable
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