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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.



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