uncertain
Uncertain (adj) means not sure or confident about something. Example: “She was uncertain whether to accept the job offer.”
How to use uncertain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot sure, or not yet settled — could go either way.
Word forms
more uncertain comparative, uncertainer comparative, most uncertain superlative, uncertainest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was _____ whether to accept the job offer.
Etymology
From Middle English uncerteyn, from un- + certain.
Related words
Rhymes for uncertain
See all rhymes for uncertain →Frequently asked questions
What does “uncertain” mean?
The word “uncertain” means not sure or confident about something. In plain terms, not sure, or not yet settled — could go either way.
How do you pronounce “uncertain”?
“Uncertain” is pronounced uhn-SUR-tuhn (/ʌnˈsɜɹ.tən/ in IPA).
How do you use “uncertain” in a sentence?
Here is “uncertain” used in a sentence: “She was uncertain whether to accept the job offer.”
What is the opposite of “uncertain”?
The opposite of “uncertain” — its antonyms — is certain.
What part of speech is “uncertain”?
“Uncertain” is an adjective.
Where does the word “uncertain” come from?
The word “uncertain” comes from Middle English. From Middle English uncerteyn, from un- + certain.
Is “uncertain” a common word?
“Uncertain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “uncertain” have?
“Uncertain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not sure or confident about something.
What is the difference between uncertain and unsure?
When describing people, uncertain and unsure are largely interchangeable: both mean not sure or confident. Uncertain, however, also describes situations, outcomes, and facts that are not yet decided or known, as in "the result remains uncertain," where unsure would sound odd.
Is it "uncertain of" or "uncertain about"?
Both are correct: you can be uncertain of the facts or uncertain about the facts, though "uncertain about" is the more common choice in everyday English. Before a clause, use a question word instead, as in "uncertain whether to stay" or "uncertain how it works."
What is the difference between uncertain and ambiguous?
Ambiguous describes something that can be understood in more than one way, such as an ambiguous sentence or instruction. Uncertain describes something not yet known, decided, or fixed, or a person who is not confident; an answer can be clear in wording yet still leave the outcome uncertain.
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