unsure

adjective

un·​sure ˌən-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce unsure (audio)
-ˈshər
especially Southern -ˈshȯr
Synonyms of unsurenext
: not marked by or given to feelings of confident certainty : not sure
was unsure of what to do
see also:
unsure of oneself

Synonyms of unsure

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So fraternities promise that kind of friendship and loyalty, and also for young people, 18-year-olds, many of whom are unsure of themselves, fraternities and sororities say this is the way to be popular. — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 The department was unsure of the route the aircraft was trying to take, and the crash started a small grass fire that was quickly doused. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Supporters remain unsure whether interim coach Leif Gunnar Smerud will stay or captain Sarah Gorden will return, tempering optimism. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Tony Hanna, a parent of a Black Bob Elementary School student, said during public comments Thursday night that parents were unsure whether the six schools were the right choice. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsure

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsure was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing unsure

Rhymes for unsure

See All Rhymes for unsure

Browse Nearby Words

unsuppressed
unsure
unsureness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsure. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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