Word
unsure
Phoneticsun·sure, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈʃʊɹ/
UK/ʌnʃˈɔː/
Definitions
01not certain
A2 · Elementary
adj. not feeling certain or confident about something.
adj. lacking certainty or confidence; feeling hesitant about a fact, decision, or outcome.
“I am unsure of the exact time the train leaves, so let's check the app.”
“The committee remained unsure about the long-term financial implications of the merger, despite the optimistic projections provided by the consultants.”
Pitfall
I am unsure for the answer.
I am unsure of the answer.
Use 'of' or 'about' after unsure when followed by a noun phrase.
02unstable
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. not steady or safe, like a floor that might break or a person who might fall.
adj. physically unstable, precarious, or lacking a firm foundation.
“The old wooden bridge felt unsure under my feet as I crossed the river.”
“He took an unsure step onto the icy pavement, his balance wavering as he searched for a stable handhold.”
Usage
Often used to describe physical footing or movement that lacks confidence.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English unsure, equivalent to un- + sure. Piecewise doublet of insecure and unsecure.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/unsure