misgiving

UK: /ˌmɪsˈgɪvɪŋ/ US: /mɪsˈgɪvɪŋ/ ,(mis giv′ing)

From the verb misgive: (⇒ conjugate)

misgiving is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

mis•giv•ing /mɪsˈgɪvɪŋ/   n. [countable]

1. Often, misgivings. [plural] a feeling of doubt:
   He had a few misgivings about the plan.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mis•giv•ing  (mis giv′ing), n. 

1. Often, misgivings. a feeling of doubt, distrust, or apprehension.

• misgive + -ing¹ 1595–1605

mis•giv′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

suspicion, mistrust, hesitation. See apprehension. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

misgiving / mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋ/ noun

1. (often plural) a feeling of uncertainty, apprehension, or doubt

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mis•give  (mis giv′), v., -gave, -giv•en, -giv•ing. 
v.t. 

1. (of one's mind, heart, etc.) to give doubt or apprehension to.

v.i. 

2. to be apprehensive.

• mis-¹ + give 1505–15

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

misgive / mɪsˈɡɪv/ verb ( -gives, -giving, -gave, -given)

1. to make or be apprehensive or suspicious