I. adjective
1.
disinclined to obtrude oneself
shy in the presence of strangers
Synonyms: backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, rabbity, retiring, self-effacing, timid, unassertive, unassured
Related Word: backhanded, hesitant, reluctant; conscious, self-conscious, self-distrustful, shamefaced, sheepish; introversive, introvert, introverted, inturned; circumspect, reserved; cautious, chary, suspicious, wary; apprehensive, fearful, nervous, skittish, timorous
Contrasted words: brash, forward; aggressive, audacious, intrusive, obtruding, pushing, pushy; blunt, crass
Antonyms: bold, obtrusive
2.
Synonyms: disinclined , afraid, averse, backward, hesitant, indisposed, loath, reluctant, uneager, unwilling
3.
Synonyms: short 3, deficient, failing, inadequate, insufficient, scant, scanty, scarce, unsufficient, wanting
Contrasted words: excess, over, surplus
II. verb
1.
Synonyms: demur , balk, boggle, gag, jib, scruple, stick, stickle, strain, stumble
Related Word: blench, quail, recoil, shrink
2.
Synonyms: escape 2, avoid, bilk, double, duck, elude, eschew, evade, shun
III. noun
Synonyms: potshot , pot, sideswipe