The quality or state of being cowardly, lacking courage, or unwilling to take risks.
From 'gutless' (lacking guts/courage) plus the suffix '-ness' forming an abstract noun. 'Gutless' metaphorically equates guts (internal organs/intestines) with courage, as if brave people have 'guts.'
This metaphor shows how ancient peoples associated the belly with courage and cowardice—the gut was thought to be where emotions and bravery lived, which is why we still 'gut-check' ourselves and call brave people 'gutsy.'
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