Dictionary
uncertain
adjective un·cer·tain \ˌən-ˈsər-tən\
: not exactly known or decided : not definite or fixed
: not sure : having some doubt about something
: not definitely known
Full Definition of UNCERTAIN
1
: indefinite, indeterminate <the time of departure is uncertain>
2
: not certain to occur : problematical <his success was uncertain>
3
: not reliable : untrustworthy <an uncertain ally>
4
5
— un·cer·tain·ly adverb
— un·cer·tain·ness \-tən-(n)əs\ noun
See uncertain defined for English-language learners
See uncertain defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of UNCERTAIN
14th century
Related to UNCERTAIN
- Synonyms
- capricious, changeable, changeful, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, skittish, temperamental, fickle, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile
- Antonyms
- certain, changeless, constant, immutable, invariable, predictable, settled, stable, stationary, steady, unchangeable, unchanging, unvarying
Rhymes with UNCERTAIN
UNCERTAIN Defined for Kids
uncertain
adjective un·cer·tain \ˌən-ˈsər-tən\
Definition of UNCERTAIN for Kids
1
: not exactly known or decided on <an uncertain amount>
2
: not sure <They were uncertain of the rules.>
3
: not known for sure <an uncertain claim>
4
: likely to change : not dependable <uncertain weather>
— un·cer·tain·ly adverb
Learn More About UNCERTAIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: uncertaintyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: unceremoniousAll Words Near: uncertain
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up uncertain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).