1. the quality of being easily frightened, startled, or made nervous
2. the tendency to be unpredictable, restless, or changeable in behavior

Examples

• The horse’s skittishness made it difficult for the rider to control.
• Her skittishness around strangers was evident at the party.
• The cat’s skittishness increased during the thunderstorm.
• Investors showed skittishness about the volatile stock market.
• The dog’s skittishness around loud noises required patient training.
• His skittishness about commitment ended the relationship.
• The market’s skittishness reflected uncertainty about economic conditions.