diffidence
noun
dif·fi·dence
ˈdi-fə-dən(t)s 
-fə-ˌden(t)s
: the quality or state of being unassertive or bashful : the quality or state of being diffident
Examples of diffidence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One reason for the diffidence may be that Shao-Horn already has another project for building larger electrodes to be used in EV applications.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 22 June 2010
New Delhi and Washington have made important strides together toward balancing Chinese power in recent years, but India’s diffidence about a tight partnership with the United States frustrates this outcome.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Between the sticks - Bayern seem reluctant to retire Neuer but this diffidence is helping no one.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
At its best, the uncomfortably intimate aesthetic of the films combined with the general diffidence at their heart attempted to epitomize a generational temperament and linguistic sensibility.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for diffidence
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IEEE Spectrum, 22 June 2010
New Delhi and Washington have made important strides together toward balancing Chinese power in recent years, but India’s diffidence about a tight partnership with the United States frustrates this outcome.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Between the sticks - Bayern seem reluctant to retire Neuer but this diffidence is helping no one.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
At its best, the uncomfortably intimate aesthetic of the films combined with the general diffidence at their heart attempted to epitomize a generational temperament and linguistic sensibility.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for diffidence
Cite this Entry
“Diffidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffidence. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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