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
   1. unambiguously
   2. forcefully

Derived Forms

• unˈcertainly, adverb
• unˈcertainness, noun

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 is very uncertain this far ahead but is something we will be monitoring closely over the next week.

From BBC

“I told him, in no uncertain terms, that he should not get in the submersible,” he said.

From BBC

Smith's cases were already facing an uncertain future.

From BBC

And with the election of Donald Trump for a second term as US president, Ukraine’s depleted and war-weary forces are facing uncertain support from their biggest military donor.

From BBC

“I wanted her to beat Trump, but Harris winning would mean my family stays in the same nightmare we’ve come to know. Trump winning makes that nightmare more uncertain, and the ways it will harm my family less clear. But what is clear is that the U.S. government, whether Democrat or Republican, will keep sending weapons to Benjamin Netanyahu illegally. That’s what I have a problem with.”

From Slate

Related Words

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