pusillanimous
definition
lacking courage or determination timid
example
Despite his intelligent ideas, his pusillanimous demeanor made it difficult for him to assert himself in meetings.
synonyms
timidcowardlycraven
word origin — The word 'pusillanimous' comes from the Latin 'pusillanimis', meaning 'small-minded' or 'timid', from 'pusillus' meaning 'very small' and 'anima' meaning 'spirit' or 'soul'.