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noun

shyness

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

noun
1
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.

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Word forms

Plural
shynesses
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ made small talk with strangers difficult.

Etymology

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

Related words

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.

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