Meaning & use

Timidity

noun·Advanced

Last updated

The quality or state of being timid; lack of courage or self-confidence, especially in approaching new or difficult situations.

See it in a sentence

Her timidity kept her from raising her hand even when she knew the answer.

Investors criticized the board's timidity in responding to the market downturn.

A note on using this word

Timidity is often distinguished from simple shyness by its connection to fear of risk or failure, rather than just social discomfort.

Words with a similar meaning

shynessdiffidencehesitancy

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

boldnessconfidence

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