uncertain
adjective
un·cer·tain
ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn 
1
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
Synonyms
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
That includes the Old Stone Fort in Coshocton, possibly built in the 1690s, though its origins are uncertain.
—
Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 15 July 2024
Aegon spends the episode barely conscious while the maesters operate to save him, but his fate is still uncertain.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 15 July 2024
Though the origins of this special day are uncertain, the occasion is dedicated to honoring the bond between humans and horses.
—Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024
Since his halting performance in the presidential debate, Biden’s political future has been uncertain, his party divided, and concerns about his age and mental acuity at the forefront.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for uncertain 
Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 15 July 2024
Aegon spends the episode barely conscious while the maesters operate to save him, but his fate is still uncertain.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 15 July 2024
Though the origins of this special day are uncertain, the occasion is dedicated to honoring the bond between humans and horses.
—Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024
Since his halting performance in the presidential debate, Biden’s political future has been uncertain, his party divided, and concerns about his age and mental acuity at the forefront.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for uncertain
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncertain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near uncertain
Cite this Entry
“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
uncertain
adjective
un·cer·tain
ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn
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
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