timorousness

lack of willingness to assert oneself and take risks the timorousness with which so many politicians approach hot-button issues Synonyms faintheartedness, timidness, timidityRelated Words bashfulness, constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, restraint, shyness, skittishness; hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution; alarm (also alarum), anxiety, apprehension, concern, discomposure, dismay, fear, panic, upset, worry; cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, spinelessnessNear Antonyms assurance, confidence, self-assertiveness, self-assurance, self-confidence; composure, coolness, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern; backbone, decisiveness, determination, fiber, firmness, fortitude, gameness, grit, gumption, mettle, resoluteness, resolution, spunk; bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gutsiness, intrepidity, intrepidness, valor; brazenness, cheek, effrontery, gall, temerityAntonyms audaciousness, audacity, boldness, cojones [slang], guts, nerve