# shyness

/ˈʃaɪnəs/ (US) · /ʃˈaɪnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shyness
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.