synonyms - What's a word for lack of confidence?

I'm trying to find a word that describes a lack of confidence. Something that gives a sense of worthlessness maybe. I've dried looking up in Thesarus.com for similarities to lack of confidence and antonyms to self-worth, but with no luck. Anyone have some ideas?

Answer

According to OED:

diffident: modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence: a diffident youth.

Another word as @Jim suggested would be timid.

timid: showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened: I was too timid to ask for what I wanted.

Comments

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