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Definitions

shy

[shahy] / ʃaɪ /
ADJECTIVE
quiet and self-conscious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid apprehensive bashful cautious circumspect coy demure diffident fearful hesitant humble introverted modest nervous reluctant reticent self-effacing sheepish suspicious timid wary
STRONG
disinclined indisposed introvert loner recessive reserved retiring shrinking
WEAK
averse backward chary conscious distrustful loath shamefaced skittish unassertive unassured uneager uneffusive unresponsive unsocial unwilling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggressive bold brave calm careless conceited confident courageous eager egotistical extroverted fearless forward heedless immodest incautious indiscreet proud rash unabashed unafraid unashamed uncareful unfearful unshy unworried
STRONG
bent disposed inclined outgoing willing
WEAK
adequate enough unreserved
ADJECTIVE
lacking, failing
Synonyms
STRONG
scant scanty short wanting
WEAK
deficient inadequate insufficient scarce unsufficient
Antonyms
STRONG
adequate sufficient
WEAK
enough

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.

Apple delivered a "standout quarter" even though iPhone revenue came in just shy of expectations, according to Emarketer senior tech analyst Jacob Bourne.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

One day shy of four weeks, he can return just in time to give the Lakers a much-needed boost to close out a tough Rockets team.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Yet at the semi-final stage this time around Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is only one shy of that, with his eight goals and five assists putting the Parisiens on course to defend their crown.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Revenue rose 9% to $2.94 billion, just shy of the average Wall Street estimate of $2.95 billion, as per FactSet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Now she was in command of the regiment’s second squadron, and Galya was a little shy of her battle-hardened and serious pilot.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing shy

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