unsure

Meanings

1. 1adjectiveafter a verb

   Not certain about a fact, a decision or what to do next.

   Grammar: Usually follows be or feel: I am unsure.

   Patterns

   • unsure about something
   • unsure whether to do something
   • unsure of something

   I am unsure whether the shop is open on Sundays.

   She was unsure about moving to another city.

   He looked unsure of the answer and glanced at his notes.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Lacking confidence in yourself or in your own ability.

   Grammar: Can describe a person or a manner: an unsure smile.

   Patterns

   • unsure of yourself

   The new player felt unsure of himself in the first match.

   Her unsure voice made the audience lean forward.

   He took a few unsure steps along the icy path.

Word forms

Common combinations

unsure about

I'm still unsure about which course to take.

unsure whether

They were unsure whether the bus would come.

unsure of yourself

Teenagers can feel unsure of themselves at a new school.

feel unsure

I feel unsure when I have to speak in public.

seem unsure

The driver seemed unsure which exit to take.

Synonyms and how they differ

uncertain

Uncertain is a little more formal and can describe situations as well as people, as in an uncertain future.

doubtful

Doubtful suggests you lean toward thinking something is not true, while unsure leaves it open.

hesitant

Hesitant describes visible reluctance to act, not only an inner lack of certainty.

undecided

Undecided focuses on not having chosen yet, whereas unsure can also be about facts.

Opposites

Word family

sure adjective

certain

unsurely adverb

in a hesitant way

unsureness noun

the state of being unsure

surely adverb

without doubt

Commonly confused: unsure or insure?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “unsure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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