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
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
Iran’s brief but brutal war with Israel has left its theocratic regime facing an uncertain future.
—
Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
Now in private practice as co-head of Morrison Foerster’s Securities + Derivatives Regulatory Solutions team and a partner in the firm’s Capital Markets and Broker-Dealer Compliance + Regulation practice groups, Dahiya is in a unique position to help clients navigate complex and uncertain terrain.
—Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Overall, the challenges highlighted by business leaders included uncertain economic conditions (55 percent), tariffs (41 percent), and revenue and sales growth (41 percent).
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
To be sure, the uncertain economy could weigh on consumer spending in the near term, impacting online purchases.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
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Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
Now in private practice as co-head of Morrison Foerster’s Securities + Derivatives Regulatory Solutions team and a partner in the firm’s Capital Markets and Broker-Dealer Compliance + Regulation practice groups, Dahiya is in a unique position to help clients navigate complex and uncertain terrain.
—Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Overall, the challenges highlighted by business leaders included uncertain economic conditions (55 percent), tariffs (41 percent), and revenue and sales growth (41 percent).
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
To be sure, the uncertain economy could weigh on consumer spending in the near term, impacting online purchases.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
Cite this Entry
“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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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