Recorded from about 1600, from misgive, an older verb meaning to make someone feel doubt or fear. It combines mis-, meaning “badly” or “wrongly,” with an older sense of give meaning “suggest.”
Doubt or worry
noun
decisions
neutral
A feeling of doubt or worry that something may be wrong or may lead to unwanted results.
Examples
- She had serious misgivings about signing the contract.
- My only misgiving is that the plan may cost too much.
- Did anyone express misgivings about the safety checks?
- Despite his early misgivings, he agreed to join the project.
- The committee approved the proposal without misgiving.
- I cannot ignore my misgivings about leaving so soon.
Similar words
doubt
unease
apprehension
qualm
worry
reservation
uncertainty