Some attribute this silence to spinelessness, others to tactical guile.

有人说他的沉默是懦弱，也有人说是战术策略。

youdao

If you suck up too much and too often, your spinelessness will earn little respect.

FORBES: Is Sucking Up at Work Good for Your Health?

He had understood that it thrived on the fear, weakness, and spinelessness of the West's political class.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 'Courage'

Dealmakers came to suspect Mr Purcell of an unMack-like spinelessness.

ECONOMIST: Financial mergers