Unassertive: meaning, definitions and examples
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unassertive
[ ʌnəˈsɜːrtɪv ]
personality trait
Unassertive refers to a person who is not confident or forceful in expressing their opinions, feelings, or needs. Such individuals often avoid confrontation and may struggle to stand up for themselves. They might be seen as passive or submissive, frequently yielding to the demands or preferences of others. The lack of assertiveness can lead to problems in personal and professional relationships. Cultivating assertiveness can help individuals communicate more effectively and assert their rights.
Synonyms
docile, meek, passive, submissive
Examples of usage
- She felt unassertive in her meetings with the management.
- His unassertive behavior made it difficult for him to voice his ideas.
- Being unassertive often leads to misunderstandings in friendships.
Translations
Translations of the word "unassertive" in other languages:
🇵🇹 não assertivo
🇮🇳 असुरक्षित
🇩🇪 nicht durchsetzungsfähig
🇮🇩 tidak tegas
🇺🇦 неасертивний
🇵🇱 nieasertywny
🇯🇵 自己主張しない
🇫🇷 non-assertif
🇪🇸 no asertivo
🇹🇷 assertif olmayan
🇰🇷 비단호하는
🇸🇦 غير حازم
🇨🇿 neasertivní
🇸🇰 neasertívny
🇨🇳 缺乏自信的
🇸🇮 neasertiven
🇮🇸 ekki ákveðinn
🇰🇿 жасық
🇬🇪 არასახმო
🇦🇿 təhlükəsiz olmayan
🇲🇽 no asertivo
Etymology
The term 'unassertive' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'assertive', which comes from the Latin 'assertivus', meaning 'relevant' or 'affirmative'. The word 'assertive' emerged in the early 20th century as a description of individuals who confidently state their opinions or claims. With the addition of the prefix 'un-', it conveys the opposite idea, indicating a lack of confidence or force in communication. Although assertiveness is often encouraged in many cultures, unassertiveness can be the result of upbringing, personality traits, or social conditioning, leading to challenges in self-expression.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,856, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.