Word
uncertain
Phoneticsun·cer·tain, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈsɝtən/
UK/ʌnsˈɜːtən/
Definitions
01feeling unsure
B1 · Intermediate
adj. feeling that you do not know something for sure or cannot rely on it.
adj. describing a subjective state of doubt or lack of confidence regarding a fact or outcome.
“She was uncertain about which road to take at the fork.”
“Investors remained uncertain about the market's recovery, leading to a significant decrease in high-risk trading throughout the quarter.”
02not clearly known
B1 · Intermediate
adj. not known or fixed; something that might change or is not clear yet.
adj. describing an objective situation that is not established, confirmed, or clearly defined.
“The exact date of the party is still uncertain because of the weather.”
“The origins of the manuscript remain uncertain, as carbon dating has provided conflicting results regarding the age of the parchment.”
03unpredictable
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. likely to change often or behave in a way you cannot predict.
adj. subject to change or variation; lacking a predictable pattern or stability.
“The weather in the mountains is very uncertain, so bring a jacket.”
“The political climate remains uncertain, with shifting alliances making it difficult for analysts to forecast the outcome of the upcoming election.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “uncertain” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English uncerteyn. By surface analysis, un- + certain.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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