unassertive
/ʌnəˈsəːtɪv
/adjective
(Of a person) not having or showing a confident and forceful personality: his bland and unassertive personal style she was gentle and unassertive...
- One possible explanation would be that workers are not assigned to jobs randomly, but that managerial positions are given primarily to assertive people, whereas subordinate jobs are given primarily to unassertive people.
- Regarding anger management, Ms. L. describes herself as a very meek and unassertive person who has difficulty standing up for herself, even when assertiveness may be warranted.
- Imprisoned by an English embarrassment, I was unassertive in my twenties, and so my friend was not called upon to explain the anomalies.
Synonyms
passive, retiring, submissive, unassuming, self-effacing, modest, humble, meek, unconfident, unforthcoming, diffident, shy, timid, timorous, shrinking, hesitant, insecure, unsure
informal mousy
Derivatives
unassertively
- As often in his writing, Pater introduces a point of major significance so quietly and unassertively that it slips past the reader's guard.
- If she speaks unassertively, she appears to intrude in an ‘inappropriate’ style.
- The best wear is often that which isn't readily noticed but rather contributes unassertively to the overall worn styling of a piece.
unassertiveness
- Timidity and unassertiveness are just as healthy for the average young female as is a thrice-daily dose of cyanide.
- But then, as Pater points out, unassertiveness itself can be a mode of aggression.
- To many people, humility is associated with unassertiveness or feeling inadequate about oneself.