misgiving

1 of 2

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.

misgiving

2 of 2

present participle of misgive

Synonyms of misgiving

Noun

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty

Examples of misgiving in a Sentence

Noun

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

They regarded the plan with misgiving.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And Tommy John himself had misgivings about being the name and face of the surgery. — Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

In November 2024, Leo wrote an email to his senior colleague detailing his misgivings about their working relationship, as well as expressing concerns to managers and HR. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Even Ringwald spoke at length about her misgivings about the film’s problematic elements in a 2018 NPR interview. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026

The opposition Labour Party voted through the bill, despite members’ misgivings. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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