Diffident means lacking confidence in yourself, especially when dealing with other people. A diffident student might know the right answer but hesitate to raise their hand in class, worried about speaking up. Someone who feels diffident at a party might hang back near the wall instead of joining conversations, unsure if others will want to talk to them.

The word describes a specific kind of shyness that involves actually doubting your own abilities or worth. A diffident musician might downplay their talent, saying “I'm not very good” even after playing beautifully. A diffident writer might be too nervous to share their stories, convinced no one will like them.

Diffident is different from humble. A humble person knows their strengths but doesn't brag about them. A diffident person genuinely doesn't believe in themselves, even when they should. It's also different from shy: you can be shy around strangers but confident in your abilities. A diffident person questions whether they're capable at all.

The opposite of diffident is confident or self-assured. While confidence can help you try new things and share your ideas, being too diffident can hold you back from opportunities you've earned.