What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unconfident
Example
She was unconfident about her presentation and stumbled over her words. [unconfident: adjective]
Example
He spoke unconfidently, unsure of what to say next. [unconfidently: adverb]
uncertain
Example
I'm uncertain about the outcome of the meeting. [uncertain: adjective]
Example
She spoke uncertainly, not sure if she was making the right decision. [uncertainly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncertain is more commonly used than unconfident in everyday language. Uncertain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unconfident is less common and more specific to a person's lack of confidence in their abilities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unconfident and uncertain?
Both unconfident and uncertain can be used in formal and informal contexts, but unconfident may be perceived as more informal or colloquial than uncertain.
