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
• 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

That’s the trick in retail anyway — and one that requires finesse in good times and real skill in tough ones, like now when consumers are skittish and President Donald Trump’s trade war is still disrupting supply. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 July 2025

Despite being married to a therapist, Josh is rather myopic about his own emotional well-being and Foster telegraphs that disconnect with a softened tone of voice and a skittish kind of physicality. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 May 2025

Maybe there’s a skittish four-legged friend in residence. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 July 2025

In nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Creek flows through a picturesque valley and is filled with skittish wild brookies. —Robert Annis, Outside Online, 3 July 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