diffidence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the Cuomo campaign is the candidate’s diffidence about his time as governor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

"He brings the sweetness and floppiness of early career Hugh Grant, but relies less on cringey posh diffidence and more on a sweet theatricality," she wrote.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2024

“It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2023

Although no one would accuse him of diffidence, he is rarely one to jostle for the limelight.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2021

At any rate I have lost my diffidence, my timidity, my shyness with strangers.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier