—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.
c.1300, "of indeterminate time or occurrence," from un- (1) "not" + certain (adj.). Meaning "not fully confident" is recorded from c.1380 (implied in uncertainty).
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance; "uncertain of his convictions"; "unsure of himself and his future"; "moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps"; "an uncertain smile"; "touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers" [ant: certain]
2.
not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown; "an uncertain future"; "a manuscript of uncertain origin"; "plans are still uncertain"; "changes of great if uncertain consequences"; "without further evidence his story must remain uncertain" [ant: certain]
3.
not established or confirmed; "his doom is as yet unsealed" [syn: unsealed] [ant: certain]
4.
not certain to occur; not inevitable; "everything is uncertain about the army"; "the issue is uncertain" [ant: certain]
5.
subject to change; "a changeable climate"; "the weather is uncertain"; "unsettled weather with rain and hail and sunshine coming one right after the other" [syn: changeable]
6.
not consistent or dependable; "an uncertain recollection of events"; "a gun with a rather uncertain trigger"
7.
ambiguous (especially in the negative); "she spoke in no uncertain terms"
Pre*ca"ri*ous\, a. [L. precarius obtained by begging or prayer, depending on request or on the will of another, fr. precari to pray, beg. See Pray.]1. Depending on the will or pleasure of another; held by courtesy; liable to be changed or lost at the pleasure of another; as, precarious privileges. --Addison. 2. Held by a doubtful tenure; depending on unknown causes or events; exposed to constant risk; not to be depended on for certainty or stability; uncertain; as, a precarious state of health; precarious fortunes. "Intervals of partial and precarious liberty." --Macaulay. Syn: Uncertain; unsettled; unsteady; doubtful; dubious; equivocal. Usage: Precarious, Uncertain. Precarious in stronger than uncertain. Derived originally from the Latin precari, it first signified "granted to entreaty," and, hence, "wholly dependent on the will of another." Thus it came to express the highest species of uncertainty, and is applied to such things as depend wholly on future casualties. -- Pre*ca"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Pre*ca"ri*ous*ness, n.
Un*cer"tain\, a. [Pref. un- + certain. Cf. Incertain.]1. Not certain; not having certain knowledge; not assured in mind; distrustful. --Chaucer. Man, without the protection of a superior Being, . . . is uncertain of everything that he hopes for. --Tillotson. 2. Irresolute; inconsonant; variable; untrustworthy; as, an uncertain person; an uncertain breeze. O woman! in our hours of ease, Uncertain, coy, and hard to please! --Sir W. Scott. 3. Questionable; equivocal; indefinite; problematical. "The fashion of uncertain evils." --Milton. From certain dangers to uncertain praise. --Dryden. 4. Not sure; liable to fall or err; fallible. Soon bent his bow, uncertain in his aim. --Dryden. Whistling slings dismissed the uncertain stone. --Gay. Syn: See Precarious.
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