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
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 notesIn plain EnglishA tendency to feel nervous or self-conscious in social situations.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like shyness.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- shynesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ made small talk with strangers difficult.
Etymology
From "shy" plus the suffix "-ness."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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.