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

Investing Too Much, Too Soon AI is evolving rapidly, leaving businesses unsure whether to be pioneers, early adopters or cautious followers. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Scientists were initially unsure what was confronting them in the dark. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025

Speaking to the Loudwire Nights podcast recently, Keenan noted that his experience with Osbourne at the induction ceremony has left him unsure of what to expect at the July event. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025

While this change could reduce tax burdens, the specifics remain murky, leaving businesses unsure of how to plan financially. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 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