51Թ

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View synonyms for

uncertain

[ uhn-sur-tn ]

adjective

  1. not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy:

    an uncertain smile.

  3. not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown:

    a manuscript of uncertain origin.

    Synonyms: ,

  4. vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended:

    an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.

  5. subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable:

    a person of uncertain opinions.

  6. ambiguous; unreliable; undependable:

    Her loyalties are uncertain.

  7. dependent on chance or unpredictable factors; doubtful; of unforeseeable outcome or effect.
  8. unsteady or flickering, as light; of changing intensity or quality.

    Synonyms:



uncertain

/ ʌˈɜːə /

adjective

  1. not able to be accurately known or predicted

    the issue is uncertain

  2. whenpostpositive, often foll by of not sure or confident (about)

    a man of uncertain opinion

  3. not precisely determined, established, or decided

    uncertain plans

  4. not to be depended upon; unreliable

    an uncertain vote

  5. liable to variation; changeable

    the weather is uncertain

  6. in no uncertain terms
    1. unambiguously
    2. forcefully
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ܲˈٲԱ, adverb
  • ܲˈٲԲԱ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ܲ·t· adverb
  • ܲ·t·Ա noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of uncertain1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; un- 1 + certain
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Idioms and Phrases

see in no uncertain terms .
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Synonym Study

Uncertain, insecure, precarious imply a lack of predictability. That which is uncertain is doubtful or problematical; it often involves danger through an inability to predict or to place confidence in the unknown: The time of his arrival is uncertain. That which is insecure is not firm, stable, reliable, or safe, and hence is likely to give way, fail, or be overcome: an insecure foundation, footing, protection. Precarious suggests great susceptibility to failure, or exposure to imminent danger: a precarious means of existence.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They don't appear willing to spend money while the country's economic outlook is uncertain.

From

The timeline for the opening of this showpiece project now "looks uncertain", a source told the BBC.

From

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.

From

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".

From

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.

From

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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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unceremoniouslyuncertainty