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
The scene says a lot with a little, hitting comic beats but ending deflatedly thanks to the art dealer’s ruthless reaction to this diffidence.
From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2024
“It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions.”
From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2023
He put the lemons into a bag and, with a curious diffidence, she came closer to the counter to give him the money.
From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin
Vocabulary lists containing diffidence
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The Diary of a Young Girl
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