gutless
|gut-less|
/ˈɡʌtləs/
without courage
Etymology
'gutless' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'gut' and the suffix '-less', where 'gut' meant 'intestine' and '-less' meant 'without'.
'gut' existed in Old English referring to the internal organs; the suffix '-less' comes from Old English '-lēas' meaning 'free from' or 'without'. The compound 'gutless' arose in later English to mean 'without guts' both literally and, by extension, 'without courage'.
Initially the components referred to 'without intestines' or literally 'without guts'; over time the phrase evolved into the figurative meaning 'lacking courage' which is now the common usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
showing a lack of courage or determination; cowardly.
His refusal to speak up in the meeting was gutless.
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Adjective 2
lacking strength, effectiveness, or force; weak or feeble (often figurative).
The company's gutless response to the crisis damaged its reputation.
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Adjective 3
literally without internal organs (rare, literal usage).
After the predator attack the carcass was nearly gutless.
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Last updated: 2025/08/27 18:22