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

• excitable
• fiddle-footed
• flighty
• fluttery
• high-strung
• hyper
• hyperactive
• hyperexcitable
• hyperkinetic
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• skittery
• spasmodic
• spooky

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

Cats in particular, with their solitary and skittish ways, can also teach them patience. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Investors are skittish, and animation, with its long timelines and high upfront costs, needs predictable ground to thrive. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 10 May 2025

Plus, if skittish tourists book fewer rooms in the existing Hampton Inn and Marriott hotels, the city could lose out on tax revenue, McMillin said in a statement. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

And institutional lenders could get skittish, becoming less willing to lend to nonbanks, thus limiting fintechs’ growth. —Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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