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
- uncertainly adverb
- uncertainness noun
Etymology
Origin of uncertain
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; un- 1 + certain
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.
Despite the move to reinstate the vice-president position, the future of Cameroon beyond Biya remains uncertain.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
Finding a well-paid job is important, but so is a sense of job security at an uncertain time for the economy, according to labor-market experts and a growing number of surveys.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
In this uncertain context, Poland's subsoil appears to be a major asset for the energy sovereignty of the Old Continent.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
Because the timing of labor market displacement is so uncertain, Muddy Waters recommends using derivative exposure to take a bearish view on corporate credit.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
If you are uncertain what someone means when they refer to "the second harmonic" or "overtones," ask for clarification.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
