unsure

adjective

un·​sure ˌən-ˈshu̇r 

-ˈshər,

 especially Southern  -ˈshȯr

: not marked by or given to feelings of confident certainty : not sure

was unsure of what to do

Phrases

unsure of oneself

: lacking confidence in one's abilities

… he's a little unsure of himself when it comes to the music world …

—Seth Mnookin

Synonyms

• distrustful
• doubtful
• dubious
• hinky [slang]
• mistrustful
• skeptical
• suspicious
• trustless
• uncertain
• unconvinced
• undecided
• unsettled

Examples of unsure in a Sentence

unsure of her ability to handle the pressure of competing in the Olympic Games

Recent Examples on the Web

When breaches do occur, the notifications are often vague or slow to arrive, leaving users unaware of the risks they have been exposed to—and unsure of how to respond effectively. —Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Researchers are unsure why the bird flu virus survived the aging process, but the fat and protein content in the cheese, along with the relatively low aging temperature, likely contribute to the stability of the virus, according to Martin. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025

Despite this, physicists have long been unsure exactly how most flashes get started. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Archaeologists are unsure what may have been stored in the box. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsure

• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure
• brochure
• cocksure
• coiffure
• contour
• couture
• demure
• detour
• endure