Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

uncertain

[uhn-sur-tn]
See more synonyms for uncertain on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
  2. not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy: an uncertain smile.
  3. not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown: a manuscript of uncertain origin.
  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.
Show More

Origin of uncertain

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at un-1, certain
Related formsun·cer·tain·ly, adverbun·cer·tain·ness, noun

Synonyms

See more synonyms for uncertain on Thesaurus.com
1. unsure, unpredictable. 3. unsettled, undetermined. 8. irregular.

Synonym study

1. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for uncertainly

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Cyrus had withdrawn from the stove, and was feeling his chin, uncertainly.

    Meadow Grass

    Alice Brown

  • The uncertainly and mystery that enveloped Eldorado was its greatest charm.

    Four Girls and a Compact

    Annie Hamilton Donnell

  • In the living-room he stood and stared about him uncertainly.

  • “I must go through the dining-room to get to my room,” Olive said uncertainly.

    Olive in Italy

    Moray Dalton

  • The girl's voice was colorless, and she did not look at Rufus who regarded her uncertainly.

    In Apple-Blossom Time

    Clara Louise Burnham

British Dictionary definitions for uncertainly

uncertain

adjective
  1. not able to be accurately known or predictedthe issue is uncertain
  2. (when postpositive, often foll by of) not sure or confident (about)a man of uncertain opinion
  3. not precisely determined, established, or decideduncertain plans
  4. not to be depended upon; unreliablean uncertain vote
  5. liable to variation; changeablethe weather is uncertain
  6. in no uncertain terms
    1. unambiguously
    2. forcefully
Show More
Derived Formsuncertainly, adverbuncertainness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for uncertainly

uncertain

adj.

c.1300, "of indeterminate time or occurrence," from un- (1) "not" + certain (adj.). Meaning "not fully confident" is recorded from late 14c. (implied in uncertainty). Related: Uncertainly.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with uncertainly

uncertain

see in no uncertain terms.

Show More
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.