uncertain

[uhn-sur-tn]

adjective

1. not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.

   Synonyms: unpredictable, unsure

2. not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy.

   an uncertain smile.

3. not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown.

   a manuscript of uncertain origin.

   Synonyms: undetermined, unsettled

4. vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended.

   an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.

5. subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable.

   a person of uncertain opinions.

6. ambiguous; unreliable; undependable.

   Her loyalties are uncertain.

7. dependent on chance or unpredictable factors; doubtful; of unforeseeable outcome or effect.

8. unsteady or flickering, as light; of changing intensity or quality.

   Synonyms: irregular

uncertain

/ ʌnˈsɜːtən /

adjective

1. not able to be accurately known or predicted

   the issue is uncertain

2. not sure or confident (about)

   a man of uncertain opinion

3. not precisely determined, established, or decided

   uncertain plans

4. not to be depended upon; unreliable

   an uncertain vote

5. liable to variation; changeable

   the weather is uncertain

6. 1. unambiguously

   2. forcefully

Other Word Forms

• uncertainly adverb
• uncertainness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncertain¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; un- ¹ + certain

Idioms and Phrases

see in no uncertain terms.

Synonym Study

Uncertain, insecure, precarious imply a lack of predictability. That which is uncertain is doubtful or problematical; it often involves danger through an inability to predict or to place confidence in the unknown: The time of his arrival is uncertain. That which is insecure is not firm, stable, reliable, or safe, and hence is likely to give way, fail, or be overcome: an insecure foundation, footing, protection. Precarious suggests great susceptibility to failure, or exposure to imminent danger: a precarious means of existence.

Example Sentences

Their temporary coach having steadied them through every challenge, including his own uncertain future, those players yearned to preserve what might have been the best part of a burdensome season.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet it's those workers and apprentices who now face an uncertain future.

From BBC

"For her to leave that and join a team with an uncertain future in the second division, that took a lot of guts. I'm so grateful," admits Kang.

From BBC

"The world we once believed was safe for our child now feels frightening and uncertain," she added.

From BBC

It is the first major boxing event promoted by White alongside Saudi's Turki Alalshikh, signalling a new, if uncertain, era for the sport.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambiguous 
• ambivalent 
• dubious 
• erratic 
• hazy 
• hesitant 
• insecure 
• precarious 
• questionable 
• risky 
• unclear 
• undecided 
• undetermined 
• unpredictable 
• unreliable 
• unresolved 
• unsettled 
• unsure 
• vague