uncertain

adjective

un·cer·tain | \ ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn

Definition of uncertain

1a : 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

Other Words from uncertain Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about uncertain

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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

Manufacturing activity in the world’s two largest economies perked up in March, an antidote to financial-market fears of a coming global recession, though pockets of weakness remain and the outlook is uncertain. — Paul Hannon, WSJ, "U.S. and Chinese Manufacturing Stabilize, While Europe Lags Behind," 1 Apr. 2019 Guy injured his ankle in the first half and his return was uncertain. — Gary B. Graves, The Seattle Times, "Virginia shakes off Purdue 80-75 in OT to win South Region," 31 Mar. 2019 Some of the Hallmark series’ stars, like Pascale Hutton and Paul Greene have spoken out, reminding Hearties to remain calm during this uncertain time. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "A 'When Calls the Heart' Star Says He's 'Totally in the Dark' About Show's Return," 7 Apr. 2019 In striving to provide the best service for his customers, Soleimani realized that many of them are uncertain when making big design decisions. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "This Company Lets You Try Rugs Before You Buy Them," 5 Apr. 2019 The Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept interest rates on hold at a policy meeting on Wednesday, but warned the next move in interest rates was more likely to be down given an increasingly uncertain global economy. — James Glynn, WSJ, "RBNZ Adopts Dovish Outlook Fearing Global Downturn," 26 Mar. 2019 In the latest promo, Beth and Randall are fighting and their future together looks uncertain. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "This Is Us’s Emotional Promo for Next Week Has Everyone Worked Up Over Randall and Beth," 20 Mar. 2019 On Tuesday in Amman, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held out hope that U.S.-Jordanian cooperation on Syria would continue but seemed uncertain. — Matthew Lee, The Seattle Times, "Trump’s evolving foreign policy challenges top US diplomat," 15 Jan. 2019 Amid volatile market conditions, investors appear increasingly uncertain that the Federal Reserve will be able to meet its target of two interest-rate increases next year. — Daniel Kruger, WSJ, "U.S. Government Bonds Rise on Slower Growth Expectations," 28 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'uncertain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.