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

Instead of looking for a multi-year deal that could provide security at the uncertain position, Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Chargers.

From Los Angeles Times

But the path of inflation going forward is unusually uncertain and Bank of England officials, who decide whether to raise or cut interest rates, are divided.

From BBC

Global and domestic factors will have a significant impact on how quickly prices rise, but how they will play out remains uncertain.

From BBC

But the final outcome is now uncertain as Trump prepares to head to the White House next January.

From BBC

It added sales were challenging in the face of a "difficult trading environment and uncertain macroeconomic trends".

From BBC

Related Words

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