IDK
4 synonyms for IDK, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Abbreviation — Used in messages and online to say that you do not know something or have not made up your mind.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
I don't know
no idea
not sure
How to use IDK
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
idk tbh
idk why
idk maybe
idk yet
Very informal; standard in texts and chat, out of place in formal email.
Etymology
An initialism of the phrase I don't know.
Full origin of IDK →Frequently asked questions
What does IDK mean?
It stands for I don't know. It answers a question you cannot answer, and it is also used as a soft hedge before an opinion, as in idk, it just felt off.
What is the difference between IDK and IDC?
IDK means you lack the information; IDC means you have no preference. If someone asks where you want to eat, idk means you cannot decide and idc means anywhere is fine.
Is IDK rude in a work message?
On its own it can look careless. Writing I'm not sure, I'll find out is barely longer and shows you intend to follow up, which matters more than the abbreviation itself.
