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

Giant caution signs should illuminate our financial runway: student debt, housing costs, stagnant wages and uncertain futures.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The bill now moves to the Senate, where passage is uncertain.

Read more on Barron's

The head-shaped whatsit floated on the surface of a large puddle of uncertain depth, which no doubt had been left by the strong rains of the previous night.

Read more on Literature

“Get the girl,” he said, uncertain of the data from the computer.

Read more on Literature

Meanwhile, the status of two of L.A.’s most famous movie houses remains uncertain.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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