timidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'timidity' is correct and usable in written English.
It means a lack of confidence or shyness. Example: Her timidity prevented her from speaking up in front of the large audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And throughout the series, from David Warner's unfortunate – and retracted – comments about seeing fear in Jonathan Trott's eyes, the vocabulary of timidity and cowardice has been the dominant motif of England's defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

Michael Deacon in the Telegraph thought Miliband, "his face a ferocious, glaring grin", reminded readers that the Tory campaign "has sought to highlight Mr Miliband's awkwardness and timidity".

The Guardian

That nearly a year of bombing should leave IS in such a position is an embarrassment for Mr Obama.Iran openly mocks America's timidity.

The Economist

When it came, however, the announcement left many disappointed by its timidity.

The Economist

One involves grandees of left and right stampeding to embrace gay marriage, after years of timidity and hesitation.

The Economist

During his years in Vietnam, as commander of American forces from 1964 to 1968, he had been fighting not only a subtle, nimble enemy hidden in villages and jungle, but a miasma of criticism, hatred and political timidity at home.

The Economist

When funds instead position themselves more conservatively and short stocks, the markets promptly rally on the merest whiff of better news.An unaccustomed timidity has seized many hedge funds.

The Economist

Others claim that the timidity of the regulator in dealing with "anti-competitive practices that are endemic within BT" is to blame.A common complaint is that Mr Edmonds refuses to use the extensive powers Oftel has under the Competition Act.

The Economist

NATO was not designed for such contingencies.Middle Eastern gloomNowhere is the perception of growing American timidity so strong as in the Middle East.

The Economist

Such timidity is surprising, since one of the reasons why RBS is fancied over BoS is that its branch network has such an overlap with NatWest's in the north-west of England.

The Economist

Timidity about how to cut spending is less of a problem than their leader's vaulting ambitions to reshape British capitalism, just when voters have lost faith in the ability of experts of all sorts to improve anything.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "timidity" to describe a general lack of courage or assertiveness in a person or organization. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "timidity" when the situation calls for describing careful planning or calculated risk avoidance. "Timidity" implies a lack of courage, not necessarily strategic thinking.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "timidity" is as a noun, representing a quality or state of being. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a characteristic or condition. Ludwig AI identifies this term as correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timidity" is a noun that describes a lack of courage or assertiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, often used to critique or explain hesitation. While grammatically sound, be mindful of using it when strategic carefulness is more accurate. Synonyms include "shyness" and "lack of confidence", offering alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shyness

A more direct and common synonym for "timidity".

lack of confidence

Focuses on the absence of self-assurance rather than just shyness.

hesitancy

Highlights the act of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty.

lack of assertiveness

Focuses on the inability to express one's needs or opinions effectively.

apprehension

Emphasizes anxiety or fear about future events.

diffidence

Indicates a lack of self-belief or self-esteem.

reticence

Implies a disinclination to speak or express oneself freely.

bashfulness

Suggests a more innocent or childlike shyness.

cautiousness

Highlights a careful and deliberate approach, often due to fear.

fearfulness

Directly addresses the presence of fear as the primary motivator.

FAQs

How can I use "timidity" in a sentence?

"Timidity" is used to describe a lack of courage or assertiveness. For example: "His timidity prevented him from speaking up."

What are some synonyms for "timidity"?

Alternatives to "timidity" include "shyness", "lack of confidence", or "hesitancy" depending on the context.

Is it better to describe someone as "timid" or "cautious"?

Describing someone as "timid" suggests a lack of courage, whereas "cautious" implies carefulness and prudence. The better choice depends on the specific situation and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "timidity" and "nervousness"?

"Nervousness" is a state of anxiety or unease, while "timidity" is a disposition characterized by a lack of courage or assertiveness. You can be nervous without being timid, and vice versa.