uncertain

[ uhn-sur-tn ]

adjective

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

   Synonyms: unsure, unpredictable

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. whenpostpositive, often foll by of 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. in no uncertain terms
   in no uncertain terms
   1. unambiguously
   2. forcefully

Derived Forms

• unˈcertainness, noun
• unˈcertainly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·certain·ly adverb
• un·certain·ness 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

It’s essential for companies to capitalize on the essential time together during these uncertain times.

From TechCrunch

Startled and uncertain, Teichner takes in the proposal and answers with a solid maybe.

From Washington Post

The end of this sickness is still uncertain and many months away, especially for those who live in the poorest parts of the planet.

From Washington Post

Today, the hotel and restaurant remain closed, their future as uncertain as Riley’s.

From Washington Post

Back then, it was still uncertain whether fall marathons would be canceled.

From Outside Online

If the certainty of the wisdom of uncertainty is itself uncertain, the force of the definition crumbles by logical standards.

From The Daily Beast

In war, he wrote, “everything is uncertain … all military action is intertwined with psychological forces and effects.”

From The Daily Beast

“The jailer had a high-school-age daughter and was uncertain how to help her get in college,” writes Ferris.

From The Daily Beast

Meanwhile, ISIS is on the march, and President Obama strikes an uncertain pose.

From The Daily Beast

Even “destroyed” becomes an uncertain term when applied to these sort of digital files.

From The Daily Beast

Distance, the uncertain light, and imagination, magnified it to a high wall; high as the wall of China.

From Project Gutenberg

Uric acid is decreased before an attack of gout and increased afterward, but its etiologic relation is still uncertain.

From Project Gutenberg

An estate upon condition is one which depends upon the happening or not happening of some uncertain event.

From Project Gutenberg

It is therefore uncertain from these statements which furnace consumes the greater quantity of air.

From Project Gutenberg

Again Arabella inclined her head, and looked uneasily round as if uncertain whether to call for assistance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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