uncertain

[ uhn-sur-tn ]

/ ʌnˈsɜr tn /

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See synonyms for uncertain on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy: an uncertain smile.

not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown: a manuscript of uncertain origin.

vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended: an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.

subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable: a person of uncertain opinions.

ambiguous; unreliable; undependable: Her loyalties are uncertain.

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

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

OTHER WORDS FOR uncertain

1 unsure, unpredictable.

3 unsettled, undetermined.

8 irregular.

See synonyms for uncertain on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of uncertain

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at un-¹, certain

synonym study for uncertain

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.

OTHER WORDS FROM uncertain

un·cer·tain·ly, adverbun·cer·tain·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use uncertain in a sentence

It is uncertain what the year ahead holds, but it is likely that following the pandemic the “staycation” will become more popular.
Cities Are Falling Short on Coastal Access – and Short-Term Rentals Could Help|Philip King and Sarah Jenkins|November 16, 2020|Voice of San Diego
As points of contact between mathematics and reality, particles straddle both worlds with an uncertain footing.
What Is a Particle?|Natalie Wolchover|November 12, 2020|Quanta Magazine
In that sense, Cat-Su Sando serves as a test ground for what might come next in an uncertain market.
Ghost Kitchens Are the Wave of the Future. But Is That a Good Thing?|Kristen Hawley|November 9, 2020|Eater
She studied it briefly then looked at me as if uncertain what to do next.
To take control of your career, ask for what you want—directly and explicitly|matthewheimer|November 8, 2020|Fortune

This is great news for yet-private startups that have had to deal with a recession, an uneven and at-times uncertain funding market, an election cycle and other unknowns this year.
Software companies are reporting a pretty good third quarter|Alex Wilhelm|November 6, 2020|TechCrunch
And the Ukrainian army, slowly, uncertainly, but ineluctably, is closing in on this besieged ghost-town of a city.
Shakeup In the Ukraine Rebel High Command|Jamie Dettmer|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He seemed so at ease with the people there, and they with him, that I asked uncertainly where he came from.
The Case for Cardinal Sean O’Malley|Christopher Dickey|March 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The result was an extra month of uncertainly that impeded an already volatile hiring market.
Obama’s Jobs Malaise|Daniel Stone|September 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
When her husband died in a suicide, she stumbled uncertainly at first.
Caroline: The Reasons Why|Tina Brown|January 5, 2009|DAILY BEAST
“Everybody brags on being the most aggrieved,” the mayor explained as he settled uncertainly onto the edge of the sofa table.
The Way the Wind Blows|Scott Simon|December 21, 2008|DAILY BEAST
When they reached the house Betty started to knock, then paused uncertainly, her hand uplifted.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle|Laura Lee Hope
Muttering curses, and swaying uncertainly on his feet, Talpers seized his hat and rushed from the house.
Mystery Ranch|Arthur Chapman
The answer seemed to break up the order of his prearranged consolations, and he sat looking at her uncertainly.
Summer|Edith Wharton
Someone thrust her out of the door with others, and she began to step aimlessly, uncertainly, along the broad street.
Blazed Trail Stories|Stewart Edward White
He assumed the upright posture, and standing uncertainly for a few seconds, fixed his eyes on the prisoner.
The Young Ranchers|Edward S. Ellis

British Dictionary definitions for uncertain

uncertain

/ (ʌnˈsɜːtən) /

adjective

not able to be accurately known or predictedthe issue is uncertain

(when postpositive, often foll by of) not sure or confident (about)a man of uncertain opinion

not precisely determined, established, or decideduncertain plans

not to be depended upon; unreliablean uncertain vote

liable to variation; changeablethe weather is uncertain

in no uncertain terms

unambiguously
forcefully

Derived forms of uncertain

uncertainly, 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

Other Idioms and Phrases with uncertain

uncertain

see in no uncertain terms.

uncertain

OTHER WORDS FOR uncertain

Origin of uncertain

synonym study for uncertain

OTHER WORDS FROM uncertain

Words related to uncertain

How to use uncertain in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for uncertain

Derived forms of uncertain

Other Idioms and Phrases with uncertain