How to pronounce unsure
Say it like un-SHOOR. Unsure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SHOOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unsure. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- SHOOR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unsure pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SHOORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
American vs British pronunciation of unsure
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-SHAW.
What does unsure mean?
- lacking self-confidence“stood in the doorway diffident and abashed”“problems that call for bold not timid responses”
- lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance“uncertain of his convictions”“unsure of himself and his future”
Where does unsure come from?
From Middle English unsure, equivalent to un- + sure.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unsure
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unsure.
Questions about saying unsure
How do you pronounce unsure?
Say un-SHOOR. The American pronunciation is /ənˈʃʊr/. In British English it is /ʌnˈʃɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unsure?
Unsure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SHOOR). Broken into parts: un · SHOOR.
Is unsure pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌnˈʃɔː/ (un-SHAW).