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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But the vote’s outcome is uncertain, despite a push from union leadership urging members to accept the offer this time around — and the deal on the table is not significantly different from an offer rejected by nearly two-thirds of membership just over a week ago. Andrew Torgan, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 Because the effects of the storms are uncertain, Barclays said before the report that the Fed probably would not read too much into an unusually low October jobs figure. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Yet behind the scenes, his future as a commercial solo act was uncertain, as Payne had recently split from his label, Capitol Records. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 And especially as Black voters' enthusiasm for Harris has been uncertain, the hope was Clinton could energize the faith community to turn out to vote in a must-win swing state. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 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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