UNCERTAIN Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

uncertain

[ uhn-sur-tn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
Synonyms: ,
not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy:
an uncertain smile.
not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown:
a manuscript of uncertain origin.
Synonyms: ,
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.
Synonyms:

uncertain

/ ʌ��ˈ��ɜː��ə�� /

adjective

not able to be accurately known or predicted
the issue is uncertain
whenpostpositive, often foll by of not sure or confident (about)
a man of uncertain opinion
not precisely determined, established, or decided
uncertain plans
not to be depended upon; unreliable
an uncertain vote
liable to variation; changeable
the weather is uncertain
in no uncertain terms
1. unambiguously
2. forcefully

Discover More

Derived Forms

�ܲ�ˈ��ٲ��Ա��, adverb
�ܲ�ˈ��ٲ��ԲԱ��, noun

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

�ܲ�·��t��·�� adverb
�ܲ�·��t��·�Ա�� noun

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of uncertain¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; un- ¹ + certain

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

see in no uncertain terms .

Discover More

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.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“We face a highly uncertain outlook with elevated risks of both higher unemployment and higher inflation,” Powell said Friday.

From

Angel Stadium remains in limbo, with an increasingly uncertain future.

From

These are anxious and hugely uncertain economic times.

From

Americans are consuming less alcohol due to a myriad of reasons, including an uncertain macroeconomic landscape and persistent inflation concerns that have dampened spending.

From

“Drug development is expensive, takes years to complete, and can have uncertain outcomes. Failure can occur at any stage.”

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse