excessive reserve; overly hesitant
Describes holding back too much out of politeness or consideration, often to the point of being unhelpful or awkward. Used in social situations where someone is too shy or deferential to act naturally.
He was overly reserved and couldn't say what he really thought.
Please don't be overly hesitant—feel free to ask questions.
Compound of 悪 (わる, 'bad') and 遠慮 (えんりょ, 'reserve, hesitation'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word literally means 'bad reserve' and is used to describe excessive or misplaced politeness.