shyness
n. B1 Intermediate US //ˈʃaɪnəs// UK //ʃˈaɪnəs// shy·ness
n. a feeling of being nervous or uncomfortable when you are around other people. It makes you want to stay quiet or hide when you meet new people.
n. a state of nervousness or hesitation in the presence of others, often resulting in a reluctance to speak or act. It is frequently associated with social anxiety or a lack of confidence.
She felt a lot of shyness when she met the new boss.
The teacher noticed that the student's shyness prevented him from participating in the group discussion.
While some view shyness as a social disadvantage, others argue that it can be a protective trait that fosters deep, meaningful conversations rather than superficial small talk.
From shy + -ness.