1. lack of confidence in oneself; shyness or timidity

Examples

• Her diffidence prevented her from speaking up in meetings.
• Despite his talent, the young artist’s diffidence held him back from showing his work.
• She overcame her natural diffidence and volunteered to give the presentation.
• His diffidence was mistaken for arrogance by those who didn’t know him well.
• The student’s diffidence made it difficult for teachers to assess his true abilities.
• With encouragement from friends, she gradually shed her diffidence and became more outgoing.