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

The effective gag order has left nonprofit leaders, local governments and tribes stunned and unsure about how to move forward in spending the EPA grants they were awarded. —Maryalice Parks, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025

Starvation could have been a cause of death but officials are still unsure, Phipps said, noting that dogs do not get sick from hantavirus. —Dalia Faheid, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025

There are great shifts happening, and people are upset, confused and unsure. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Grid operators and utilities remain unsure of when the tariffs will take effect, and if electricity will even be subjected to tariffs. —Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 7 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