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Definition of uncertain - 4 dictionary results

un⋅cer⋅tain

  [uhn-sur-tn]
Use uncertain in a Sentence
–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.
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.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME; see un- 1 , certain

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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To uncertain
un·cer·tain   (ŭn-sûr'tn)   
adj.  

  1. Not known or established; questionable: domestic changes of great if uncertain consequences.

  2. Not determined; undecided: uncertain plans.

  3. Not having sure knowledge: an uncertain recollection of the sequence of events.

    1. Subject to change; variable: uncertain weather.

    2. Unsteady; fitful: uncertain light.

un·cer'tain·ly adv., un·cer'tain·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

uncertain 
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).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

uncertain

see in no uncertain terms.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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