timorous
Lacking in courage
Timorous means fearful or easily frightened—suggesting someone who shrinks from confrontation or risk.
The word carries a sense of habitual nervousness rather than momentary fear: a timorous voice, too timorous to speak up in meetings.
It's somewhat literary, more likely found in novels than conversation.
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- self-effacingDownplaying one's own importance
- shrinkingDecreasing in dimension
- retiringLeaving the workforce
withdrawn · introverted · reserved · reticent · mousy · wallflower · meek · unassuming
Full of fright
- frightenedExperiencing sudden fear
- scaredFeeling fear or alarm
- afraidExperiencing dread or worry
- terrifiedExtremely frightened
petrified · panic-stricken · tremulous · quaking · cowering · daunted · spooked · startled
Uneasy and apprehensive
- worriedTroubled by uncertainty
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- jitteryAnxiously restless
edgy · restless · tense · agitated · fretful · overwrought · panicky · disquieted
Humbly unassertive
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- deferentialShowing humble submission
- yieldingBending under pressure
- compliantYielding to others' wishes
acquiescent · passive · unassertive · servile · obsequious · subservient · mild · tame
Uncertain and provisional
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- uncertainNot firmly known
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
irresolute · faltering · halting · reluctant · vacillating · doubtful · ambivalent · dithering
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- self-effacingDownplaying one's own importance
- shrinkingDecreasing in dimension
retiring · withdrawn · introverted · reserved · reticent · mousy · wallflower · meek · unassuming · self-conscious
fearful
Full of fright
- frightenedExperiencing sudden fear
- scaredFeeling fear or alarm
- afraidExperiencing dread or worry
terrified · petrified · panic-stricken · tremulous · quaking · cowering · daunted · spooked · startled · aghast
nervous
Uneasy and apprehensive
- worriedTroubled by uncertainty
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
jittery · edgy · restless · tense · agitated · fretful · overwrought · panicky · disquieted · troubled
meek
Humbly unassertive
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- deferentialShowing humble submission
- yieldingBending under pressure
compliant · acquiescent · passive · unassertive · servile · obsequious · subservient · mild · tame · biddable
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
indecisive · irresolute · faltering · halting · reluctant · vacillating · doubtful · ambivalent · dithering · waffling
timorousbrave
Showing courage despite fear
courageous · fearless · bold · intrepid · dauntless
timorousbold
Courageous and daring
assertive · confident · assured · self-assured · forthcoming