Uncertain: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncertain

 

[ สŒnหˆsษ™หt(ษ™)n ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or showing doubt

Not able to be relied on; not known or definite.

Synonyms

ambiguous, doubtful, indecisive, insecure, unsettled.

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Word Description / Examples
uncertain

When someone is not sure about something or doesn't have enough information to make a decision.

  • I am uncertain about which job offer to accept
  • The weather forecast is uncertain for the weekend
doubtful

When someone thinks something is unlikely to be true or happen.

  • She's doubtful that she'll pass the test without studying
  • It seems doubtful that the project will be completed on time
insecure

When someone lacks confidence or feels unsafe or uncertain about themselves or their situation.

  • She feels insecure about her abilities at work
  • He seemed insecure in social settings, always questioning if people liked him
indecisive

When someone finds it hard to make a decision or frequently changes their mind.

  • He is very indecisive and can never choose where to eat
  • Her indecisive nature made it difficult to finalize plans
ambiguous

When something can be understood in more than one way, causing confusion.

  • Her answer was ambiguous, and no one knew what she really meant
  • The directions were ambiguous, leading to several different interpretations
unsettled

When someone or something is not calm or stable, often feeling disturbed or anxious.

  • The political situation in the country is very unsettled
  • He felt unsettled after hearing the disturbing news

Examples of usage

  • He was uncertain about the outcome of the experiment.
  • She felt uncertain about her decision.
  • I am uncertain whether I will be able to attend the meeting.
  • The future is uncertain and full of surprises.
  • I have an uncertain feeling about this situation.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncertain" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น incerto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคจเคฟเคถเฅเคšเคฟเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unsicher

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tidak pasti

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฒะฟะตะฒะฝะตะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ niepewny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธ็ขบใ‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท incertain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ incierto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท belirsiz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถˆํ™•์‹คํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบูŠุฑ ู…ุคูƒุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nejistรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ neistรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธ็กฎๅฎš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ negotov

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณviss

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตะปะณั–ัั–ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ namษ™lum

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ incierto

Etymology

The word 'uncertain' originated in the mid-14th century from the Latin word 'incertus', meaning 'not sure, uncertain'. It has evolved over time to represent the state of not being definite or reliable. The concept of uncertainty is a common theme in human experiences, as we often encounter situations where we are unsure or hesitant. The word 'uncertain' captures this feeling of doubt and ambiguity, serving as a reminder of the complexity of life.

See also: certain, certainly, certainty, uncertainly, uncertainty.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,919, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.