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uncertain
[ uhn-sur-tn ]
adjective
- not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
Synonyms: ,
- not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy:
an uncertain smile.
- not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown:
a manuscript of uncertain origin.
Synonyms: ,
- vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended:
an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.
- subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable:
a person of uncertain opinions.
- ambiguous; unreliable; undependable:
Her loyalties are uncertain.
- dependent on chance or unpredictable factors; doubtful; of unforeseeable outcome or effect.
- unsteady or flickering, as light; of changing intensity or quality.
Synonyms:
uncertain
/ ʌˈɜːə /
adjective
- not able to be accurately known or predicted
the issue is uncertain
- whenpostpositive, often foll by of not sure or confident (about)
a man of uncertain opinion
- not precisely determined, established, or decided
uncertain plans
- not to be depended upon; unreliable
an uncertain vote
- liable to variation; changeable
the weather is uncertain
- in no uncertain terms
- unambiguously
- forcefully
Derived Forms
- ܲˈٲԱ, adverb
- ܲˈٲԲԱ, noun
Other Word Forms
- ܲ·t· adverb
- ܲ·t·Ա noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of uncertain1
Idioms and Phrases
see in no uncertain terms .Synonym Study
Example Sentences
The timeline for the opening of this showpiece project now "looks uncertain", a source told the BBC.
Later on Monday, Canadians will discover who will lead their country into what seems like a difficult and uncertain future as the country faces a trade war with its biggest economic partner, the US.
However, the future of the Prestwick operation is uncertain with Airbus saying it will "assess its long-term strategy for the site as part of ongoing industrial planning".
In a world where everything feels uncertain, in our finances, our health and even our safety, there’s comfort in something new — even if it’s wrapped in plastic.
Good news, however, remains seemingly in short supply at many struggling American orchestras, just as it does in many uncertain aspects of American life.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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