overmodest
Too shy, falsely
Overmodest describes excessive modesty—downplaying one's abilities or achievements to a fault.
Someone overmodest deflects deserved praise or undervalues their contributions: Don't be overmodest about your role in the project's success.
The word implies that modesty, usually a virtue, has crossed into self-deprecation or false humility.
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- retiringLeaving the workforce
- demureModestly reserved in manner
- coyAffectedly modest
sheepish · mousy · wallflower · introverted · blushing · nervous · tongue-tied · awkward
Downplaying one's own importance
- self-deprecatingBelittling one's own abilities
- self-criticalJudging oneself harshly
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
unassuming · understating · downplaying · dismissive · deflecting · minimizing · deprecatory · apologetic
Disinclined to speak freely
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- guardedWary and restrained
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
undemonstrative · inhibited · restrained · self-contained · detached · uncommunicative · understated · unobtrusive
Not actively participating
- submissiveReadily yielding to control
- yieldingBending under pressure
- acquiescentAccepting without resistance
- deferentialShowing humble submission
compliant · docile · meek · obedient · accommodating · nonconfrontational · pushover · spineless
Uncertainty about oneself
- inferiorityLower status or quality
- inadequacyState of being insufficient
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
vulnerability · anxiety · hesitancy · fearfulness · worry · timidity · nervousness · self-consciousness
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
coy · sheepish · mousy · wallflower · introverted · blushing · nervous · tongue-tied · awkward · self-effacing
self-effacing
Downplaying one's own importance
- self-deprecatingBelittling one's own abilities
- self-criticalJudging oneself harshly
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
humble · unassuming · understating · downplaying · dismissive · deflecting · minimizing · deprecatory · apologetic · undervaluing
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- guardedWary and restrained
- privateRestricted to certain parties
discreet · undemonstrative · inhibited · restrained · self-contained · detached · uncommunicative · understated · unobtrusive · quiet
passive
Not actively participating
- submissiveReadily yielding to control
- yieldingBending under pressure
- acquiescentAccepting without resistance
deferential · compliant · docile · meek · obedient · accommodating · nonconfrontational · pushover · spineless · weak-willed
self-doubt
Uncertainty about oneself
- inferiorityLower status or quality
- inadequacyState of being insufficient
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
apprehension · vulnerability · anxiety · hesitancy · fearfulness · worry · timidity · nervousness · self-consciousness · doubt
overmodestboastful
Given to self-praise
immodest · arrogant · self-aggrandizing · cocky · vainglorious
overmodestegotistical
Excessively self-centered
egoistic · narcissistic · self-important · pompous · vain