Quick answer
Craven means cowardly in a weak or shameful way. It is usually pronounced KRAY-vun, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Craven
Craven describes someone or something that is cowardly in a weak or shameful way. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
shakespeareanstageydramatic
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is craven, it is cowardly in a weak or shameful way. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits vivid writing so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Craven feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Craven is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Craven is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively craven.
- One craven remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a craven uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His craven tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is craven.
When should you use this word?
Use craven when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
alack, alas, arrant, avaunt, bawd
Opposite or contrasting words
plain speech, everyday wording, straightforward language
Common questions
- What does craven mean? cowardly in a weak or shameful way.
- How do you pronounce craven? It is commonly pronounced KRAY-vun.
- Is craven still used today? Craven is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use craven? Use craven when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to craven? Similar words include alack, alas, arrant, and avaunt.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.