1. the quality or state of being shy; nervousness or timidity in the company of other people

Examples

• Her shyness made it difficult for her to speak up in class.
• He overcame his childhood shyness and became a confident public speaker.
• The new student’s shyness gradually disappeared as she made friends.
• Despite her shyness, she forced herself to introduce herself to her neighbors.
• His shyness around strangers was mistaken for rudeness.
• The therapy helped her work through her social shyness.