retiring

American  

[ri-tahyuhr-ing] / rɪˈtaɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. that retires.

2. withdrawing from contact with others; reserved; shy.

   Synonyms:

   timid, bashful, diffident

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retiring British  

/ rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ /

adjective

1. shunning contact with others; shy; reserved

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• retiringly
  adverb
• unretiring
  adjective
• nonretiring
  adjective
• retiringness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of retiring

First recorded in 1540–50; retire + -ing ²

Explanation

If you are a retiring person, you avoid being at the center of attention. You can often be found in the library and other quiet places, and if someone compliments you, you're likely to blush and change the subject. If you call someone retiring, it isn't necessarily clear whether you mean it as a compliment or something closer to a put-down. Usually, the word is used to describe someone who is shy or modest to a fault. But it can also be used to suggest that someone isn't arrogant, which is usually a good thing. And, of course, retiring can also refer to someone who stepped down from their last job and doesn't intend to work anymore.

Example Sentences

Messi will turn 39 later in June and Ronaldo is 41 years old, and this is likely to be their last major tournament before retiring.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

I just gave notice that I’m retiring at 60.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Chase Herrell, Ben Cushnie and Andrew Johnson gave up just one run over six innings, with Johnson retiring the first eight batters he faced.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Daryanani added that Western Digital is now “more than halfway” through retiring its remaining 2028 convertible notes.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

And somebody else, an aunt, is retiring from her job in that candy store.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez