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.
But the outcome at the end of a tumultuous week had been uncertain after Trump had insisted the deal include an increase in the government’s borrowing limit. Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024 Details on how the berm area in question has evolved over the years through different rain and flood events and if there has been any reconstruction or repairs with a revolving board was uncertain. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 Snow mixed with sleet could fall in Minneapolis and southern Minnesota and in Wisconsin later in the afternoon, but the timing is uncertain. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Even with Western aid, including a $50 billion G7 package, Ukraine's long-term economic stability is uncertain, especially if U.S. support wanes. Katya Soldak, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near uncertain

Cite this Entry

“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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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