uncertain

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adjective un·cer·tain \ ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn \

Definition of uncertain

1 :indefinite, indeterminate

the time of departure is uncertain

2 :not certain to occur :problematical

his success was uncertain

3 :not reliable :untrustworthy

an uncertain ally

4 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

5 :not constant :variable, fitful

an uncertain breeze

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uncertainly

adverb

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uncertainness

play \ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-(n)əs\ noun

See uncertain defined for English-language learners

See uncertain defined for kids

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 of uncertain from the Web

That sounds like a recipe for a successful unit, but with Florida’s quarterback situation still in flux, the group’s production is uncertain.

— ethan bauer, miamiherald, "The 2017 Florida Gators: Position by position," 29 Aug. 2017
But the former player's candidacy is uncertain now because of the new election procedures, according to multiple people familiar with the deliberations.

— mark maske, chicagotribune.com, "New rule could bar challengers to NFLPA head with players' October vote," 27 Aug. 2017
How much of an impact Mr. Khosrowshahi can have on Uber is uncertain.

— mike isaac, New York Times, "Uber Chooses Expedia’s Chief as C.E.O., Ending Contentious Search," 27 Aug. 2017
While the potential of sanctioning bigger Chinese entities is real, the practicality is uncertain.

— bruce einhorn, Bloomberg.com, "China’s Big Businesses Risk Trump’s Punishment Over North Korea," 25 Aug. 2017
Max Baer, who faced Schmeling in 1933, wore a Star of David on his shorts to emphasize his Jewishness (even though his actual heritage was uncertain).

— nancy kidder, The Atlantic, "Four Ways of Looking at Mayweather vs. McGregor," 25 Aug. 2017
A selection committee is in the midst of reviewing four separate airport terminal proposals and may pick a winner sometime next week, although that’s uncertain.

— lynn horsley, kansascity, "Sharply divided KC Council postpones decision on KCI ballot language," 17 Aug. 2017
Meanwhile, Policastro said that whether Mariemont currently prohibits bikes on the trail along Whiskey Run Creek is uncertain.

— jeanne houck, Cincinnati.com, "CORA: Don't blame us for damaged burial mounds, pioneer sites in Mariemont," 25 July 2017
Frank is uncertain that Claire can get over her attachment to Jamie, and the couple argue throughout the episode.

— amy mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "The First Episode of 'Outlander' Season 3 Just Premiered at Comic-Con: Here's What We Know So Far," 22 July 2017

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.

First Known Use of uncertain

14th century

uncertain Synonyms

UNCERTAIN Defined for English Language Learners

uncertain

play

adjective

Definition of uncertain for English Language Learners

: not exactly known or decided : not definite or fixed
: not sure : having some doubt about something
: not definitely known

UNCERTAIN Defined for Kids

uncertain

play

adjective un·cer·tain \ ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn \

Definition of uncertain for Students

1 :not exactly known or decided on

an uncertain amount

2 :not sure

They were uncertain of the rules.

3 :not known for sure

an uncertain claim

4 :likely to change :not dependable

uncertain weather

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uncertainly

adverb

Learn More about uncertain

See words that rhyme with uncertain Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for uncertain Spanish Central: Translation of uncertain Nglish: Translation of uncertain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of uncertain for Arabic speakers

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uncertain

Definition of uncertain

uncertainly

uncertainness

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Examples of uncertain in a Sentence

Recent Examples of uncertain from the Web

First Known Use of uncertain

uncertain Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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UNCERTAIN Defined for English Language Learners

uncertain

Definition of uncertain for English Language Learners

UNCERTAIN Defined for Kids

uncertain

Definition of uncertain for Students

uncertainly

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