- lack of self-confidence

1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others. [Archaic]

"That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy." -- Donne.

2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.

"It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence." -- Macaulay.

"An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness of address." -- W. Irving.

Syn. -- Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and Bashfulness.