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

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

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

Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens. —Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025

Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025

Mueller, 23, spoke to Newsweek about how she was drawn to the timid dog, named Ruthie, who faced a grim prognosis. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025

McCamish also shared some advice with USA Today, saying that people who come across a tarantula in the wilderness during the fall should leave it alone, as the spiders are timid creatures and won't attack unless confronted. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 29 July 2025

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