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Showing results for lacking confidence. Search instead for Improving Confidence.

lacking confidence

ADJECTIVE
hesitant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid averse doubtful halting indecisive loath reluctant shy skeptical slow tentative timid unsure unwilling
WEAK
backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubting faltering half-hearted hanging back hesitating irresolute lazy uneager unpredictable vacillating wavering
Antonyms
STRONGEST
believing bold brave certain confident decisive definite eager extroverted fearless ready sure willing
WEAK
resolute unhesitant unwavering
ADJECTIVE
vacillant
Synonyms
WEAK
afraid averse backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubtful doubting faltering half-hearted halting hanging back hesitating indecisive irresolute lazy loath pendulous reluctant shilly-shally shy skeptical slow tentative timid uneager unpredictable unsure unwilling vacillating vacillatory wavering
ADJECTIVE
vacillatory
Synonyms
WEAK
afraid averse backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubtful doubting faltering half-hearted halting hanging back hesitating indecisive irresolute lazy loath pendulous reluctant shilly-shally shy skeptical slow tentative timid uneager unpredictable unsure unwilling vacillant vacillating wavering

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.

The 30-year-old artist from Idaho found herself lacking confidence and routinely deferring to her older partner, a dynamic she attributed in part to a disparity in life experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

Salah seems to be lacking confidence when it comes to taking on defenders.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

It was difficult to see Spence that way: depleted, beaten, lacking confidence.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2023

Investors seem to be lacking confidence that the central bank can walk the line of reining in inflation without triggering a recession.

From Washington Post • May 9, 2022

Deprived of their help and lacking confidence in the weak and ill-planned walls, the citizen body evacuated Rome itself and fled to the neighboring towns.

From A History of Rome to 565 A. D. by Boak, Arthur Edward Romilly