uncertain Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
incertain; unsure.
- uncertain of his convictions
- unsure of himself and his future
- moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps
- an uncertain smile
- touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers
adjective not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown
- an uncertain future
- a manuscript of uncertain origin
- plans are still uncertain
- changes of great if uncertain consequences
- without further evidence his story must remain uncertain
adjective not established or confirmed
unsealed.
- his doom is as yet unsealed
adjective not certain to occur; not inevitable
- everything is uncertain about the army
- the issue is uncertain
adjective satellite subject to change
unsettled; changeable.
- a changeable climate
- the weather is uncertain
- unsettled weather with rain and hail and sunshine coming one right after the other
adjective satellite not consistent or dependable
- an uncertain recollection of events
- a gun with a rather uncertain trigger
adjective satellite ambiguous (especially in the negative)
- she spoke in no uncertain terms

Pref. un- + certain. Cf. Incertain.

Not certain; not having certain knowledge; not assured in mind; distrustful. Chaucer.
Man, without the protection of a superior Being, . . . is uncertain of everything that he hopes for. Tillotson.
Irresolute; inconsonant; variable; untrustworthy; as, an uncertain person; an uncertain breeze.
O woman! in our hours of ease, Uncertain, coy, and hard to please! Sir W. Scott.
Questionable; equivocal; indefinite; problematical. "The fashion of uncertain evils." Milton.
From certain dangers to uncertain praise. Dryden.
Not sure; liable to fall or err; fallible.
Soon bent his bow, uncertain in his aim. Dryden.

Whistling slings dismissed the uncertain stone. Gay.
Syn. -- See Precarious.

1st pref. un- + certain; or fr. uncertain, a.