timidity
noun
- feeling of apprehension, discomfort or awkwardness in the presence of other people
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /tɪˈmɪdɪti/
noun
Etymology: From timid + -ity, from Middle French timidité, from Latin timiditātem.
- The state of being timid; shyness.
“[…] instead of the joyous voices of his playfellows he hears the rough commands of an unindulgent master or a scolding mistress; — he is continually reproached for his awkwardness and timidity, and reminded of his pauper origin.”
“This willingness to act underscores the German leader’s view that there is much at stake – and that Western Europe’s largest country (both by population and economic power) needs to step up to the demands. Timidity is not an option.”