uncertain

adjective

un·​cer·​tain ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn How to pronounce uncertain (audio)
1
a
: not known beyond doubt : dubious
an uncertain claim
b
: not having certain knowledge : doubtful
remains uncertain about her plans
c
: not clearly identified or defined
a fire of uncertain origin
2
: not constant : variable, fitful
an uncertain breeze
3
: indefinite, indeterminate
the time of departure is uncertain
4
: not certain to occur : problematical
his success was uncertain
5
: not reliable : untrustworthy
an uncertain ally
uncertainly adverb
uncertainness noun

Examples of uncertain in a Sentence

The time of departure is still uncertain. We are still uncertain of the truth. She remains uncertain about her plans. I'm uncertain about how to respond. The cause of the fire is uncertain. He has an uncertain temper. They face a financially uncertain future.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Executive order spurs uncertain moment The executive order comes as the Cass County Historical Society is about seven months into its year-long grant. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article University of Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans is likely leaving to take the same position at Southern Methodist University, according to Terps men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard, who’s dealing with speculation about his own uncertain future in College Park. Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025 But, with the Local Food Purchase Assistance program set to expire in June and funding for the next few months uncertain, Rooted for Good is lamenting the grant’s end just a year after it was first implemented. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 Its most recent Life’s Good campaign draws on a universal theme – encouraging optimism and positivity in an uncertain environment in a way that fosters mutual support. Charles Taylor, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertain

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncertain was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

uncertain

adjective
un·​cer·​tain ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn How to pronounce uncertain (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not definite or fixed
an uncertain quantity
2
a
: not sure
uncertain of the truth
b
: not known for sure
an uncertain claim
3
: likely to change : not dependable
uncertain weather
uncertainly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertain

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