shyness

shyness — noun

1. the tendency to feel uncomfortable, worried, or embarrassed when you are around

1.nounC1
Definition

the tendency to feel uncomfortable, worried, or embarrassed when you are around other people, especially in new or unfamiliar social situations

Example

Henrik's shyness made it difficult for him to speak up during group discussions.

shyness + make it + adj + to-infinitive

Vikram's shyness began to fade after he joined the school drama club.

shyness + fade / disappear

Common collocations
  • overcome shyness
  • get over shyness
  • suffer from shyness
  • out of shyness
  • shyness prevents someone from ...
  • shyness stops someone from ...
  • shyness fades / disappears / wears off
  • hide one's shyness
Synonyms
  • timidity

    broader meaning — suggests lack of courage in general, not just in social situations

  • bashfulness

    lighter, often endearing connotation; implies blushing or embarrassment when receiving attention

  • reserve

    more controlled and intentional — a reserved person chooses not to share thoughts freely, but may not feel anxious

  • diffidence

    formal; emphasises lack of self-confidence rather than fear of others' judgment

Antonyms
  • confidence

    the opposite feeling of being sure of yourself in social situations

  • boldness

    implies a willingness to take social risks, contrasting with the avoidance tendency of shyness

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun

Usage Note

An uncountable noun. Shyness usually describes a lasting personality trait or recurring tendency rather than a temporary mood — compare with a passing feeling of being 'shy' in a single moment.

Common Mistakes

His shyness prevents him to speak in public.
His shyness prevents him from speaking in public.
The verb 'prevent' requires 'from + -ing' after it, not a to-infinitive.
She has a shyness.
She has shyness.' or 'She is shy.
As an uncountable noun, shyness cannot be used with the indefinite article 'a/an'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Shyness, timidity, bashfulness, and reserve all describe a lack of ease around others, but each has a distinct tone. Shyness is the most common and general term — it focuses on feeling nervous or awkward in social situations, especially with strangers. Timidity has a broader scope: it suggests a general lack of courage or a tendency to avoid anything risky or unfamiliar, not just people. Bashfulness is lighter and often endearing — it describes someone who blushes or feels embarrassed by attention, particularly in romantic or performance settings. Reserve is more deliberate: a reserved person holds back their thoughts or feelings by choice rather than from anxiety. For example: joining a club helped Kemi overcome her shyness (social nervousness); a politician's timidity about making bold decisions is about risk, not people; a child's bashfulness when asked to sing for guests has a sweet, gentle quality.

shyness ↗timiditybashfulnessreserve ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • overcome shyness
  • suffer from shyness
  • out of shyness
  • shyness prevents someone from

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

Shyness comes from the Old English word 'sceoh', meaning 'timid' or 'easily frightened'. This developed into Middle English 'scheigh' and eventually 'shy'. The suffix '-ness' was added to turn the adjective 'shy' into a noun, following a common English pattern for forming abstract nouns that describe states or qualities.