unsure
unsure — adjective
1. feeling that you do not know something or cannot decide what to do because the f
feeling that you do not know something or cannot decide what to do because the facts are not clear enough
Otis was unsure whether to accept the job offer in another city.
unsure + whether + to-infinitive
Many voters remain unsure which candidate to support in the upcoming election.
unsure + which + wh-word + to-infinitive
Even after reading the map twice, Indra was still unsure of the correct route.
The firefighter was unsure how the blaze had started on the third floor.
Élise felt unsure about the safety of the old bridge after the storm.
- uncertain
Nearly identical in meaning; uncertain can also apply to outcomes or facts (e.g. the outcome is uncertain), while unsure is more about a person's state of doubt.
- doubtful
Emphasizes skepticism about the truth or likelihood of something, whereas unsure focuses on personal lack of knowledge or confidence in a decision.
- undecided
Specifically about a choice that has not yet been made; undecided implies an active decision is pending, while unsure may refer to the feeling itself.
- hesitant
Describes reluctance to act, often because of fear or doubt; hesitant suggests a behavioral pause, whereas unsure is primarily a mental state.
文法句型
be + unsure + whether/what/which/how + to-infinitive
be + unsure + about + noun/gerund
be + unsure + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly followed by a wh-clause (whether, what, which, how) or about + noun phrase. The that-clause is less frequent but possible (e.g. 'I am unsure that this plan will work'). Unlike the adjective uncertain, unsure rarely takes a simple noun object without a preposition.
常見錯誤
2. not feeling sure about your own ability, skills, or value as a person
not feeling sure about your own ability, skills, or value as a person
As a new teacher, Hamza felt unsure about leading his first class discussion.
unsure about + gerund phrase
After the criticism, Nora became unsure of her ability to write well.
unsure of + noun phrase referring to self
Teenagers often feel unsure when they compare their appearance to online images.
Caio was painfully unsure of himself at parties where he did not know anyone.
The young athlete looked unsure as she walked onto the track for the first time.
- insecure
Stronger and more emotional than unsure; insecure often suggests a lasting lack of self-worth rather than a temporary feeling of doubt.
- self-doubting
More specific to questioning one's own abilities; slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.
- diffident
Formal term meaning shy or lacking confidence; diffident implies a personality trait, whereas unsure is often situational.
- confident
The direct opposite: feeling sure of one's own abilities and worth.
- self-assured
Describes a person who is quietly and steadily confident.
- self-confident
Emphasizes belief in one's own skills and judgment.
文法句型
be + unsure + of + reflexive pronoun
feel/look/seem + unsure
be + unsure + about + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Subject is always a person or a group of people. Frequently constructed with a reflexive pronoun (unsure of myself/himself/themselves). Common with linking verbs such as feel, look, seem, and appear, which describe the person's outward or inner state. This sense does not take a that-clause or a wh-clause about facts.