adjective
Uncommon
retiring
ruh-TEYE-rihng
Retiring (adjective) means Shy, quiet, and preferring not to be the centre of attention. Example: “He was a retiring man who avoided parties and crowds.”
adjective
1
Shy, quiet, and preferring not to be the centre of attention.
"He was a retiring man who avoided parties and crowds."
"Despite her fame, she remained modest and retiring."
How to use retiring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes someone reserved who shies away from attention.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "retiring" as in leaving a job — this sense is purely about personality.
Common pairings
a retiring nature
shy and retiring
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Word forms
- Plural
- retirings
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He was a _____ man who avoided parties and crowds.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for retiring
See all rhymes for retiring →Frequently asked questions
What does “retiring” mean?
The word “retiring” means shy, quiet, and preferring not to be the centre of attention. In plain terms, describes someone reserved who shies away from attention.
How do you pronounce “retiring”?
“Retiring” is pronounced ruh-TEYE-rihng (/ɹəˈtaɪ(ə)ɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “retiring” in a sentence?
Here is “retiring” used in a sentence: “He was a retiring man who avoided parties and crowds.”
What part of speech is “retiring”?
“Retiring” is an adjective.
Is “retiring” a common word?
“Retiring” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between retiring and shy?
Retiring and shy both describe a preference for avoiding attention, but retiring often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone and can suggest a deliberate, dignified withdrawal from the spotlight, while shy more commonly describes nervousness or discomfort in social situations, especially in children.
Is retiring the same as introverted?
Retiring and introverted overlap, since both describe people who avoid being the centre of attention, but introverted specifically refers to a personality trait about drawing energy from solitude, while retiring is more about behaviour and manner, describing someone quiet and unassuming in social settings.
Can retiring describe someone confident?
It would be unusual to call a confident, outgoing person retiring, since the word specifically describes someone shy, quiet, and preferring not to be the centre of attention. It is generally reserved for people with a modest, low-key manner.
