uncertain
uhn-SUR-tuhn
Uncertain (adj) means not sure or confident about something. Example: “I felt uncertain about the route, so I stopped to check the map.”
adj
1
Not sure or confident about something.
"I felt uncertain about the route, so I stopped to check the map."
"He gave an uncertain smile, not sure what to say."
"She was uncertain whether to accept the job offer."
2
Not yet decided, known, or fixed.
"The date of the meeting is still uncertain because the manager is away."
"The outcome of the vote remains uncertain."
"Their plans for next year are still uncertain."
How to use uncertain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot sure, or not yet settled — could go either way.
Common pairings
uncertain future
uncertain about
remain uncertain
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more uncertain, uncertainer
- Superlative
- most uncertain, uncertainest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I felt _____ about the route, so I stopped to check the map.
Etymology
From Middle English uncerteyn, from un- + certain.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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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