Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking confidence or certainty: Describes a state of not being confident, certain, or assured about something, such as a fact, a decision, or one's own abilities.
   • Not fixed or definite: Can describe something that is not firmly established, reliable, or predictable.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage:

  • She was unsure about the correct answer to the question. (She lacked certainty regarding the answer.)
  • He felt unsure of his ability to lead the team. (He lacked confidence in his leadership skills.)
  • The future of the project is unsure due to budget constraints. (The project's future is not definite or guaranteed.)

• Describing a Person's State:

  • The unsure candidate hesitated before answering. (The candidate who lacked confidence hesitated.)
  • I am unsure whether to accept the job offer. (I am not certain about my decision.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to be unsure of/about oneself": To lack self-confidence.
  • After the criticism, he became very unsure of himself.
• "to be unsure of the facts": To not be certain about the accuracy of information.
  • The historian was unsure of the exact date of the event.

Variants and Related Words

• Unsurely (adverb): In an unsure manner.
  • He walked unsurely across the icy path.
• Unsureness (noun): The state or quality of being unsure.
  • Her unsureness was evident in her voice.

Synonyms

• Uncertain: Not able to be relied on; not known or definite.
• Doubtful: Feeling uncertain about something.
• Hesitant: Tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking.
• Diffident: Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.
• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.

Antonyms

• Sure: Confident in what one thinks or knows; having no doubt.
• Certain: Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
• Confident: Feeling or showing certainty about something.
• Assured: Confident and self-assured.

Idiomatic Expressions

• On unsure ground: In a situation where one is not confident or where the facts are not certain.
  • When discussing quantum physics, I'm on very unsure ground.
• An unsure hand: A manner or approach that lacks confidence or decisiveness.
  • The policy was implemented with an unsure hand, leading to confusion.

Adjective

1. lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
   • uncertain of his convictions
   • unsure of himself and his future
   • moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps
   • an uncertain smile
   • touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers
2. lacking self-confidence
   • stood in the doorway diffident and abashed
   • problems that call for bold not timid responses
   • a very unsure young man