Which word means 'lacking self-confidence'?

Study for the NLN PAX Verbal English Exam. Enhance your vocabulary, understand reading passages, and improve your language skills with our comprehensive quiz that includes interactive questions and detailed explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which word means 'lacking self-confidence'?

Explanation:
Lacking self-confidence is described by diffident. Diffident means hesitant and unsure of one’s own abilities, often avoiding speaking up or acting decisively because of self-doubt. It comes from a sense of mistrusting oneself. The other words point to different ideas: bold and courageous describe confidence and bravery, while timid implies fear or shyness in particular situations, which isn’t exactly the same as a general lack of self-confidence. So diffident is the best fit. For example, she felt diffident about presenting her ideas in the meeting.

Lacking self-confidence is described by diffident. Diffident means hesitant and unsure of one’s own abilities, often avoiding speaking up or acting decisively because of self-doubt. It comes from a sense of mistrusting oneself. The other words point to different ideas: bold and courageous describe confidence and bravery, while timid implies fear or shyness in particular situations, which isn’t exactly the same as a general lack of self-confidence. So diffident is the best fit. For example, she felt diffident about presenting her ideas in the meeting.

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