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English Dictionary

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 uncertain uncertain /ənˈsɝːtən/

adjective

  1. () Lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance  ( unsure , incertain [Non-standard] , uncertain )
    lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
     Uncertain of his convictions
    uncertain of his convictions
     Unsure of himself and his future
    unsure of himself and his future
     Moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps
    moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps
     An uncertain smile
    an uncertain smile
     Touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers
    touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers
  2. () Not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown  ( uncertain )
    not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown
     An uncertain future
    an uncertain future
     A manuscript of uncertain origin
    a manuscript of uncertain origin
     Plans are still uncertain
    plans are still uncertain
     Changes of great if uncertain consequences
    changes of great if uncertain consequences
     Without further evidence his story must remain uncertain
    without further evidence his story must remain uncertain
  3. Ambiguous (especially in the negative)  ( uncertain )
    ambiguous (especially in the negative)
     She spoke in no uncertain terms
    she spoke in no uncertain terms
  4. Not certain to occur; not inevitable  ( uncertain )
    not certain to occur; not inevitable
     Everything is uncertain about the army
    everything is uncertain about the army
     The issue is uncertain
    the issue is uncertain
  5. Not consistent or dependable  ( uncertain )
    not consistent or dependable
     An uncertain recollection of events
    an uncertain recollection of events
     A gun with a rather uncertain trigger
    a gun with a rather uncertain trigger
  6. Not established or confirmed  ( uncertain , unsealed )
    not established or confirmed
     His doom is as yet unsealed
    his doom is as yet unsealed
  7. Subject to change  ( changeable , uncertain , unsettled )
    subject to change
     A changeable climate
    a changeable climate
     The weather is uncertain
    the weather is uncertain
     Unsettled weather with rain and hail and sunshine coming one right after the other
    unsettled weather with rain and hail and sunshine coming one right after the other