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 of misgiving

• 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

Forging consensus Once in office, Warsh will head a Federal Open Market Committee populated with officials who have expressed misgivings about the next steps in monetary policy. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026

That potential loosening of residency requirements for supervisors was short-lived, with two other supervisors expressing misgivings about it. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Jacki, though plagued by her own misgivings, is pulled toward him. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

Some at Tuesday’s virtual hearing had similar misgivings about the potential for AI to undermine young people’s critical thinking skills, put student data at risk, or reinforce biases. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026

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