uncertain
adjective
un·cer·tain
ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn 
1
3
: indefinite, indeterminate
the time of departure is uncertain
4
: not certain to occur : problematical
his success was uncertain
5
: not reliable : untrustworthy
an uncertain ally
uncertainly
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of uncertain in a Sentence
The time of departure is still uncertain.
We are still uncertain of the truth.
She remains uncertain about her plans.
I'm uncertain about how to respond.
The cause of the fire is uncertain.
He has an uncertain temper.
They face a financially uncertain future.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, dissolving the DoE would require congressional approval, which remains uncertain.
—
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Reporting meant hours of conversation in the car; room for asking the same questions over and over; the gradual diminishment of one’s embarrassment about being ignorant or uncertain; a dilatory attitude of quiet listening and watching; the possibility of misunderstandings resolved.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Despite the difficult conditions and the prospect of an uncertain future, the tents that can be seen represent the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians committed to rebuilding their homes and cities in Gaza.
—Camilla Alcini, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025
The outlook is uncertain as Trump prepares to shake up economic policymaking by cutting federal jobs, imposing heavy taxes on foreign goods and deporting millions of undocumented workers.
—Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for uncertain 
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Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Reporting meant hours of conversation in the car; room for asking the same questions over and over; the gradual diminishment of one’s embarrassment about being ignorant or uncertain; a dilatory attitude of quiet listening and watching; the possibility of misunderstandings resolved.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Despite the difficult conditions and the prospect of an uncertain future, the tents that can be seen represent the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians committed to rebuilding their homes and cities in Gaza.
—Camilla Alcini, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025
The outlook is uncertain as Trump prepares to shake up economic policymaking by cutting federal jobs, imposing heavy taxes on foreign goods and deporting millions of undocumented workers.
—Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for uncertain
Dictionary Entries Near uncertain
Cite this Entry
“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
uncertain
adjective
un·cer·tain
ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn
ˈən-
1
: not definite or fixed
an uncertain quantity
2
a
: not sure
uncertain of the truth
b
: not known for sure
an uncertain claim
3
: likely to change : not dependable
uncertain weather
uncertainly
adverb
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