timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈti-məd 

1

: lacking in courage or self-confidence

a timid person

2

: lacking in boldness or determination

a timid policy

timidity

tə-ˈmi-də-tē 

noun

timidly

ˈti-məd-lē 

adverb

timidness noun

Synonyms of timid

• shy
• fearful
• timorous
• scary
• scared
• mousy
• afraid
• terrified

Examples of timid in a Sentence

She's very timid and shy when meeting strangers.

He gave her a timid smile.

Recent Examples on the Web

Souleymane, an Afro-German trans man, talented fashion designer and increasingly less timid figure on Berlin’s ballroom scene, travels to Dakar to repair his father’s kora. — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

This is a great car for a timid driver, a new driver or perhaps a sensible son or daughter. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Football is a physical sport, one where an athlete can’t play scared, timid, being cautious, and needs to give his all on every snap. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Min-ji now understands more about her father’s past and motivations, and no longer sees him as a timid man who would rather bow than fight. — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin timidus, from timēre to fear

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈtim-əd 

: feeling or showing a lack of courage or self-confidence : shy

timidity

tə-ˈmid-ət-ē 

noun

timidly

ˈtim-əd-lē 

adverb

timidness noun