Synonyms

timidity

American

[ti-mid-i-tee] / tɪˈmɪd ɪ ti /

Sometimes timidness

noun

the state or quality of lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery.

The stakes are too high for the officials charged with making decisions to succumb to timidity and refuse to act.

Other Word Forms

overtimidity noun
overtimidness noun
untimidness noun

Etymology

Origin of timidity

First recorded in 1510–20; from Latin timiditās, equivalent to timid(us) + -i- connecting vowel + -tās noun suffix; timid ( def. ), -i- ( def. ), -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But this is not the time for judicial timidity.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2025

Holt became the team captain in the media’s game of feigned ignorance and real timidity.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024

Fear, panic and timidity rule the day, as they generally do.

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

He spoke about a lack of intensity, desire and warned against timidity.

From BBC • May 10, 2024

We were not unforward nor imprecise in our criticism of our officers, muttering that cowering timidity was but poor cover for past incompetence.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023