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
And that eye could see past Dorothy’s drab uniform and Cindy Brady pigtails, her tall girl’s diffidence and her sweet girl’s shyness, to the bombshell smoldering underneath.
—
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
There are no speakers in the songs of MJ Lenderman other than MJ Lenderman, whose diffidence and exhaustion are in all-too-perfect lockstep with the psychic frustrations of his listeners.
—Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
But Cropper’s diffidence about his abilities was the perfect mindset for a rhythm guitarist, whose job is to serve the song and the band rather than himself.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Scott was completing a yearlong master’s program in mathematics, and Noone, a doctoral candidate five years his senior, was charmed by the contrast between his good looks and his diffidence.
—Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diffidence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
There are no speakers in the songs of MJ Lenderman other than MJ Lenderman, whose diffidence and exhaustion are in all-too-perfect lockstep with the psychic frustrations of his listeners.
—Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
But Cropper’s diffidence about his abilities was the perfect mindset for a rhythm guitarist, whose job is to serve the song and the band rather than himself.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Scott was completing a yearlong master’s program in mathematics, and Noone, a doctoral candidate five years his senior, was charmed by the contrast between his good looks and his diffidence.
—Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diffidence
Cite this Entry
“Diffidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffidence. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
