未必
Not necessarily or not likely. It is an essential hedging word in academic writing to express uncertainty or to avoid making absolute statements.
Examples
3 of 5虽然他很努力，但未必能成功。
Although he works hard, he might not necessarily succeed.
这个结论在所有情况下都未必适用。
This conclusion may not necessarily apply in all cases.
新政策未必能立即见效。
The new policy may not necessarily take effect immediately.
Word Family
Memory Tip
'未' (not yet) '必' (certain). Literally: Not yet certain.
Quick Quiz
学历高的人，人品___就好。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 未必
Examples
虽然他很努力，但未必能成功。
informalAlthough he works hard, he might not necessarily succeed.
这个结论在所有情况下都未必适用。
academicThis conclusion may not necessarily apply in all cases.
新政策未必能立即见效。
businessThe new policy may not necessarily take effect immediately.
事情未必像你想象得那么糟糕。
everydayThings are not necessarily as bad as you imagine.
专家的话未必全对。
formalWhat experts say is not necessarily always right.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
未必如此
it is not necessarily so
未必不可
not necessarily impossible
未必能够
not necessarily able to
Often Confused With
不一定 is more colloquial, while 未必 is more formal and common in academic writing.
Usage Notes
Use '未必' to soften a counter-argument or to show critical thinking in IELTS essays.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '不一定' in formal writing where '未必' would be more appropriate.
Memory Tip
'未' (not yet) '必' (certain). Literally: Not yet certain.
Word Origin
Classical Chinese term for 'not certainly.'
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
学历高的人，人品___就好。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 未必
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
引述
B1To quote or refer to someone else's words or a passage from a text to support an argument.
分析
B1To examine something in detail in order to understand it better or explain it. It involves breaking a complex topic into smaller parts to gain a better perspective.
研究
B1To carry out a systematic investigation into a subject to establish facts or reach new conclusions. It can also mean to study or consider something carefully.
观点
B1A particular attitude or way of considering a matter; an opinion or standpoint.
影响
B1To have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
趋势
B1A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
解决
B1To find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with a problem, difficulty, or dispute.
证据
B1The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
结论
B1A judgment or decision reached by reasoning; the end or finish of an event or process.
资源
B1A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.
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