timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈti-məd 

1

: lacking in courage or self-confidence

a timid person

2

: lacking in boldness or determination

a timid policy

timidity

tə-ˈmi-də-tē 

noun

timidly

ˈti-məd-lē 

adverb

timidness noun

Synonyms

• fainthearted
• fearful
• fearsome
• mousy
• mousey
• scary
• shy
• skittish
• timorous
• tremulous

Examples of timid in a Sentence

She's very timid and shy when meeting strangers.

He gave her a timid smile.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cheered on by timid bankers who wouldn't risk a lemon in their sparse baskets. —Dan Primack, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025

To say that does not trivialize the Holocaust, as some timid folk insist. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025

In Ukraine, the Biden administration’s timid slow rolling of weapons and ammunition deprived Ukraine of its best chance of victory, forcing it for years to fight with one hand behind its back. —Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025

Juventus makes bright start against Hellas While noise about the team’s poor performances could’ve seen the side begin this game in a timid manner, Juventus appeared to shrug off the criticism and made an excellent start against Hellas. —Adam Digby, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin timidus, from timēre to fear

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈtim-əd 

: feeling or showing a lack of courage or self-confidence : shy

timidity

tə-ˈmid-ət-ē 

noun

timidly

ˈtim-əd-lē 

adverb

timidness noun