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
Ultimately, what a ruling in late June will be is uncertain.
—
Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 13 Nov. 2025
Back pay for federal workers — while guaranteed under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act — remained uncertain during the shutdown.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
In uncertain times, leaders at all levels can learn from what the world’s leading CEOs are doing to protect their companies from risk and forge a path forward.
—Harvard Business Review, 13 Nov. 2025
Federal funding for other Wisconsin initiatives, including mental health in schools and crisis services for people struggling with addiction, is also on uncertain ground.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
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Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 13 Nov. 2025
Back pay for federal workers — while guaranteed under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act — remained uncertain during the shutdown.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
In uncertain times, leaders at all levels can learn from what the world’s leading CEOs are doing to protect their companies from risk and forge a path forward.
—Harvard Business Review, 13 Nov. 2025
Federal funding for other Wisconsin initiatives, including mental health in schools and crisis services for people struggling with addiction, is also on uncertain ground.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 13 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 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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