uncertain
Use Uncertain in a sentence
tn adjective
1.
not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
2.
not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy: an uncertain smile.
3.
not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown: a manuscript of uncertain origin.
4.
vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended: an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.
5.
subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable: a person of uncertain opinions.
Related forms
un·cer·tain·ly, adverb
un·cer·tain·ness, noun
Synonyms
1. unsure, unpredictable. 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. 3. unsettled, undetermined. 8. irregular.
1. unsure, unpredictable. 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. 3. unsettled, undetermined. 8. irregular.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To Uncertain
00:10
Uncertain
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
uncertain (ʌnˈsɜːtən) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj (when postpositive, | |
| 1. | not able to be accurately known or predicted: the issue is uncertain |
| 2. | 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 |
| a. unambiguously | |
| b. forcefully | |
| un'certainly | |
| —adv | |
| un'certainness | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Example sentences
Neither demand was realistic: the way ahead is too uncertain.
And yet it is uncertain whether a repeal of the law would do anything to calm separatist leaders and their followers.
Whether other snakes tend toward family groups is uncertain.
Yet decision makers insist that they bring clarity when information is scarce and outcomes uncertain.
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