ENGLISH
REFERENCE

uncertain

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ənˈsɝtən// UK //ʌnsˈɜːtən// un·cer·tain

adj. not sure about something or not able to decide. You use this when you don't know what will happen in the future.

adj. lacking certainty or confidence; not clearly or precisely determined. Often used to describe a person's mental state or the unpredictable nature of a situation.


SIMPLE

She is uncertain about which job offer to accept.

CONTEXTUAL

The future of the local library remains uncertain due to the recent budget cuts announced by the city.

COMPLEX

Economists remain uncertain whether the current market volatility represents a temporary correction or the beginning of a sustained downturn in global trade.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English uncerteyn. By surface analysis, un- + certain.

Usage

Commonly followed by the prepositions 'about' or 'of', or by a 'whether' clause.

Pitfall

I am uncertain for the answerI am uncertain of the answerUncertain typically takes 'of' or 'about' rather than 'for' when followed by a noun phrase.

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