C2nounformalpsychologyemotions
US/tɪˈmɪd.ə.ti/
UK/tɪˈmɪd.ɪ.ti/
the quality of being shy and lacking confidence or courage
In context
Her timidity made it hard for her to speak up in meetings.
He overcame his timidity and asked the manager for a raise.
The timidity of the government's response disappointed many voters.
Words that go with timidity
verb + noun
- overcome timidityShe slowly overcame her timidity with practice.
- show timidityThe team showed timidity in the first half.
adjective + noun
- natural timidityHis natural timidity kept him in the background.
- political timidityPolitical timidity has delayed the reform for years.
noun + preposition
- out of timidityShe stayed silent out of timidity, not because she agreed.
- timidity in the face ofHis timidity in the face of criticism surprised us.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He has a timidity.Correct: He is timid. / He has a lot of timidity.