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.
Whether Hamas will fully comply remains uncertain, putting the fragile truce at risk. Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 The ban, however, was short-lived, and hours later, incoming President Donald Trump overturned it, giving TikTok a temporary reprieve—but its future still remains uncertain. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025 But its future is uncertain, as the Illinois Flag Commission is a few weeks away from choosing a winner in a contest to design a new flag to represent the Land of Lincoln — although the outcome will be advisory at best. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 Where that would lead him is uncertain, but with either his soccer talents or the nest egg of money he’s saved from Hollywood funding his college education, Eggerling is unusually well prepared for the next act. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near uncertain

Cite this Entry

“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 4 Feb. 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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