timid

1 of 2

adjective

tim·​id ˈti-məd 

1

: lacking in courage or self-confidence

a timid person

2

: lacking in boldness or determination

a timid policy

timidity

tə-ˈmi-də-tē 

noun

timidly

ˈti-məd-lē 

adverb

timidness noun

timidness

2 of 2

noun

tim·​id·​ness

plural -es

: timidity

Synonyms of timid

Adjective

• shy
• fearful
• timorous
• scary
• scared
• mousy
• afraid
• terrified

Examples of timid in a Sentence

Adjective

She's very timid and shy when meeting strangers.

He gave her a timid smile.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside. — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Yukon Golds bring plenty of flavor on their own, while garlic and rosemary steeped in warm milk and cream make sure there’s nothing timid about them. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026

And despite the Mustang nameplate debate that has accompanied the Mach-E since its introduction, there is nothing timid about its acceleration. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Moore is genuinely hilarious in the role, transforming under the tutelage of Paul Giamatti’s world-weary director character Jerry from a timid mouse into an indomitable and histrionic artist. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin timidus, from timēre to fear

Noun

timid + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈtim-əd 

: feeling or showing a lack of courage or self-confidence : shy

timidity

tə-ˈmid-ət-ē 

noun

timidly

ˈtim-əd-lē 

adverb

timidness noun