misgiving

noun

mis·​giv·​ing ˌmis-ˈgi-viŋ 

: a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event

Many people have expressed misgivings about his ability to do the job.

Synonyms

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty

Examples of misgiving in a Sentence

I felt some misgiving about his ability to do the job.

They regarded the plan with misgiving.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some viewers will be fully immersed in the horror and despair of the moment, while others may have greater misgivings regarding Ben Hania’s layering of tearjerker tactics over material that hardly requires extra emotional amplification. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

But she was eventually persuaded to ignore any misgivings about the title and instead focus on the important work ahead. —John Kell, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025

The commission didn’t vote on whether to recommend approval, but a majority of commissioners expressed misgivings. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

The last of those moments is heartstoppingly transcendent, as Baumbach brings the full weight of Clooney’s iconography to bear on Jay’s most private misgivings. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• living
• sieving
• unforgiving

Kids Definition

misgiving

noun

mis·​giv·​ing (ˈ)mis-ˈgiv-iŋ 

: a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event