misgiving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misgiving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt, apprehension, or a feeling of unease about a situation or decision. Example: "She had a misgiving about accepting the job offer, fearing it might not be the right fit for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With the ban due to come into force later this month, the influential bishops of the Basque region's three biggest cities, Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastian, signed a pastoral letter full of misgiving.

The Economist

But by and large the project was a high-trust affair, which was both a cause and a consequence of having only six or, later, 12 members.Now enlargement to 25 has produced a fresh source of misgiving.

The Economist

While the Qurʾān was being received, there had been reluctance and misgiving about recording the words and acts of the Prophet, lest they be confused with the uniquely constituted contents of the scripture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And yet I must confess that there were a few tangential points in von Junzt's account that caused me some misgiving.

The New Yorker

This finely balanced ambiguity is the material for the first half of the play; it is no surprise that Shakespeare's coinage "misgiving" should make its first appearance in English in this play of doubts.

The New Yorker

Like McAuliffe, Barbour is a former party chairman — he was head of the Republican National Committee during the early Clinton years — who also seems completely unburdened by angst, misgiving or heavy self-analysis.

The New York Times - Magazine

If he has one misgiving about his position, he said, it would be that he cannot fully participate in the American electoral process.

The New York Times

"Hitch-22" has its share of words like "embarrassing" and "shame" and "misgiving".

The New York Times

It's hard to explain the mixture of pride and misgiving that greets each announcement from my mother about which new crisis she will be attending in her work as a nurse for Médecins Sans Frontières (a non-governmental organisation that provides humanitarian aid in crisis zones).

The Guardian

Still, Sylla has one misgiving.

The Guardian - Film

On the day I got this email, from the moment I saw the word "worry", misgiving took over and my eyes leapt from the first line to the next paragraph.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "misgiving" to express a sense of doubt or apprehension, particularly when evaluating a decision or future event. It conveys a nuanced feeling of unease that is stronger than simple doubt but less intense than fear.

Common error

While "misgiving" is a valid word, reserve it for more formal writing or situations where a nuanced expression of doubt is required. In casual conversation, simpler words like "worry" or "doubt" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The noun "misgiving" functions primarily to express a feeling of doubt, apprehension, or unease about a potential future event or decision. As Ludwig indicates, it is usable in written English and conveys a sense of uncertainty or concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "misgiving" is a versatile and frequently used term to express a feeling of doubt, apprehension, or unease. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal writing contexts such as news and media. While synonyms like "apprehension", "doubt", and "qualm" exist, "misgiving" provides a specific nuance that conveys a blend of uncertainty and concern. When using "misgiving", aim for clarity and relevance, and reserve it for scenarios where its specific emotional weight is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehension

Focuses more on the anticipation of future problems or dangers.

qualm

Suggests a moral hesitation or doubt about the rightness of an action.

doubt

Indicates a lack of certainty or conviction about something.

trepidation

Implies a stronger sense of fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen.

unease

Describes a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety without a specific cause.

reservations

Indicates withholding complete approval or agreement, often due to unspoken doubts.

scruples

Highlights moral or ethical considerations causing hesitation.

hesitation

Emphasizes a pause or reluctance before acting or speaking.

worry

Focuses on mental distress or concern about actual or potential problems.

suspicion

Implies a belief or feeling that someone is doing something wrong or dishonest.

FAQs

How can I use "misgiving" in a sentence?

You can use "misgiving" to express a feeling of doubt or apprehension about something. For example, "She had a "misgiving" about the safety of the plan."

What's the difference between "misgiving" and "apprehension"?

"Misgiving" generally refers to a feeling of doubt or unease about a future event or decision. "Apprehension", on the other hand, implies a more intense feeling of anxiety or fear about something that is going to happen.

Are there any synonyms for "misgiving"?

Yes, some synonyms for "misgiving" include "doubt", "qualm", "apprehension", "reservation", and "unease".

Is "misgiving" a formal or informal word?

"Misgiving" is generally considered a more formal word, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation.