unsure
Unsure (adj) means not certain or confident about something. Example: “I'm unsure whether we should reschedule the meeting.”
adj
1
Not certain or confident about something.
"I'm unsure whether we should reschedule the meeting."
"She felt unsure of herself on her first day at the new job."
"He was unsure which road to take, so he stopped to check the map."
How to use unsure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot certain — lacking confidence or clarity about something.
Common pairings
unsure of yourself
unsure whether
feel unsure
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Word forms
- Comparative
- unsurer
- Superlative
- unsurest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'm _____ whether we should reschedule the meeting.
Etymology
From Middle English unsure, equivalent to un- + sure. Piecewise doublet of insecure and unsecure.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unsure
See all rhymes for unsure →Frequently asked questions
What does “unsure” mean?
The word “unsure” means not certain or confident about something. In plain terms, not certain — lacking confidence or clarity about something.
How do you use “unsure” in a sentence?
Here is “unsure” used in a sentence: “I'm unsure whether we should reschedule the meeting.”
What is another word for “unsure”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unsure” include agnostic.
What part of speech is “unsure”?
“Unsure” is an adjective.
Is “unsure” a common word?
“Unsure” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "unsure" and "uncertain"?
Both describe a lack of certainty or confidence about something, and they are largely interchangeable. "Unsure" tends to sound slightly more informal and personal, often describing how someone feels, while "uncertain" can also describe situations, facts, or outcomes in more formal writing.
Is "unsure" informal compared to "agnostic" or "uncertain"?
"Unsure" is a common, everyday word suitable for both spoken and written English, whereas "agnostic" is more specialized, often implying a deliberate refusal to commit to a position rather than simple lack of confidence. "Unsure" is the more natural choice for everyday doubt.
What preposition typically follows "unsure"?
"Unsure" is usually followed by "about" or "of," as in "unsure about the plan" or "unsure of the answer." It can also be followed by a clause beginning with "whether" or "if."
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