diff --git a/modules/juce_graphics/detail/juce_SimpleShapedText.h b/modules/juce_graphics/detail/juce_SimpleShapedText.h
index 42afc4d2bf..bdc7146657 100644
--- a/modules/juce_graphics/detail/juce_SimpleShapedText.h
+++ b/modules/juce_graphics/detail/juce_SimpleShapedText.h
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ private:
     float additiveLineSpacing = 0.0f;
     bool baselineAtZero = false;
     bool allowBreakingInsideWord = false;
-    bool trailingWhitespacesShouldFit;
+    bool trailingWhitespacesShouldFit = true;
     int64 maxNumLines = std::numeric_limits<int64>::max();
     String ellipsis;
 };