noun

shyness

SHEYE-nuhs

Shyness (noun) means the quality of feeling nervous or uneasy around other people. Example: “Her shyness made small talk with strangers difficult.”

noun

The quality of feeling nervous or uneasy around other people.

"Her shyness made small talk with strangers difficult."

How to use shyness

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tendency to feel nervous or self-conscious in social situations.

Word forms

shynesses plural

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Her _____ made small talk with strangers difficult.

Etymology

From "shy" plus the suffix "-ness."

Frequently asked questions

What does “shyness” mean?

The word “shyness” means the quality of feeling nervous or uneasy around other people. In plain terms, a tendency to feel nervous or self-conscious in social situations.

How do you pronounce “shyness”?

“Shyness” is pronounced SHEYE-nuhs (/ˈʃaɪnəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “shyness” in a sentence?

Here is “shyness” used in a sentence: “Her shyness made small talk with strangers difficult.”

What part of speech is “shyness”?

“Shyness” is a noun.