skittish

adjective

skit·​tish ˈski-tish 

1

a

: lively or frisky in action : capricious

b

: variable, fluctuating

2

: easily frightened : restive

a skittish horse

3

a

: coy, bashful

b

: marked by extreme caution : wary

skittish investors

skittishly adverb

skittishness noun

Synonyms of skittish

• excitable
• nervous

Examples of skittish in a Sentence

We've been skittish about taking on such a large mortgage.

the skittish colt leapt up when we approached

Recent Examples on the Web

The filmmaker shows a strong handle over the film’s fanciful tone and fitfully filthy sense of humor, and he’s credited with composing the film’s score full of squawking brass instruments and skittish strings in addition to writing, directing and editing. —Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026

In the past, many of the poorer guests had the skittish look of people who feared eviction at any moment. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026

Investors have become skittish and are looking for value. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Dolphins fans are so skittish about quarterback decisions by now the common sentiment is to let seventh-rounder Quinn Ewers compete with similar, low-cost names this year, lose a lot of games and draft one next spring. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from skit- (probably from Old Norse skyt-) + -ish

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for skittish

• british

Kids Definition

skittish

adjective

skit·​tish ˈskit-ish 

1

: lively or frisky in action

2

: easily frightened : restive

a skittish horse

3

: bashful

skittishly adverb

skittishness noun