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 the audience is all the time in and out, unsure what is performance. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 Lawrence’s gravity makes rushing from the outside all the more devastating, doubly so if linemen are unsure who is coming or dropping. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Palestinians who lived there have yet to return — and are unsure whether their homes are still standing. — Toqa Ezzidin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 In a real crisis, delays usually happen because teams are unsure who has authority to respond. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

unsuppressed
unsure
unsureness
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Cite this Entry

“Unsure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsure. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unsure

Nglish: Translation of unsure for Spanish Speakers

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