Meaning & use
uncertain
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Not known for sure or not yet decided.
Grammar: Used after linking verbs like be, seem, remain: The date is still uncertain.
Patterns
- uncertain about something
- it is uncertain whether ...
- an uncertain future
The exact cause of the fire remains uncertain.
It is uncertain whether the event will take place.
The team faces an uncertain future after losing its sponsor.
adjectivenot comparable
Not feeling sure or confident about something.
Grammar: Describes a person's state; often followed by about or of: She felt uncertain about the plan.
Patterns
- uncertain about something
- uncertain of something
- feel uncertain
He seemed uncertain about which answer to choose.
I'm uncertain of the correct spelling.
After the meeting, she remained uncertain how to proceed.
adjectivenot comparable
Not reliable or not steady; likely to change.
Grammar: Used before nouns to describe things that may change or are not dependable: uncertain weather.
Patterns
- uncertain times
- an uncertain market
- uncertain weather
Farmers must cope with uncertain weather conditions.
The company operates in an uncertain market.
We live in uncertain times, so saving money is wise.
Common combinations
- uncertain about
- She was uncertain about accepting the offer.
- remain uncertain
- The outcome of the vote remains uncertain.
- uncertain future
- Graduates face an uncertain future in this economy.
- highly uncertain
- The results are highly uncertain at this stage.
- uncertain terms
- He spoke in uncertain terms, so nobody understood him.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unsure
- Often describes a person's lack of confidence; 'uncertain' can also describe facts or situations.
- doubtful
- Suggests a stronger feeling that something is unlikely or questionable.
- unclear
- Focuses on information that is not easy to understand, rather than on future events.
Opposites
Word family
- uncertainty noun
- The state of not knowing or not being sure.
- uncertainly adverb
- In a way that shows lack of confidence.
Commonly confused: uncertain or unsure?
uncertain vs unsure
Both mean not confident, but 'unsure' is mostly used for people's feelings, while 'uncertain' also describes facts or situations.
Practice
Choose the correct preposition: She was uncertain ______ whether to accept the job.
Choose one answer.
'Uncertain about' is the standard phrase for feeling unsure regarding a decision; 'uncertain with/for/at' are not used in this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “uncertain”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.