uncertain
Americanadjective
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not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
- Synonyms:
- unpredictable, unsure
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not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy.
an uncertain smile.
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not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown.
a manuscript of uncertain origin.
- Synonyms:
- undetermined, unsettled
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vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended.
an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.
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subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable.
a person of uncertain opinions.
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ambiguous; unreliable; undependable.
Her loyalties are uncertain.
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dependent on chance or unpredictable factors; doubtful; of unforeseeable outcome or effect.
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unsteady or flickering, as light; of changing intensity or quality.
- Synonyms:
- irregular
adjective
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not able to be accurately known or predicted
the issue is uncertain
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not sure or confident (about)
a man of uncertain opinion
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not precisely determined, established, or decided
uncertain plans
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not to be depended upon; unreliable
an uncertain vote
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liable to variation; changeable
the weather is uncertain
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unambiguously
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forcefully
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Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncertain
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; un- 1 + certain
Explanation
To be uncertain is to be unsure of something. Also, uncertain things are undecided, unknown, or doubtful in some way. If you're certain of something, you're sure of it. When you're uncertain, you don't know. If you don't know the answer to a math question, you're uncertain. If you can't remember where you parked your car, you're uncertain about its location. Also, anything unknown or up in the air in uncertain. Trying to be a famous actor is an uncertain path. Gambling money on horses is very uncertain. And, it's certainly hard to plan for an uncertain future.
Vocabulary lists containing uncertain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The details over the weekend are still uncertain.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
The doomjobbing trend comes at an uncertain time in the labor market, when unemployment is low but workers without jobs are hurting — especially new college graduates.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
Yet, Burberry said it is mindful of the uncertain geopolitical and economic context and its potential impact on consumer confidence.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
In its guidance for the year ahead, the company said it was "mindful of the uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic environment and its potential impact on consumer confidence."
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
With stagnant wages and booming consumption, the cash-strapped American masses had a virtually unlimited demand for loans but an uncertain ability to repay them.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
