What does "uncertain" mean?

1. (feeling unsure) feeling that you do not know something for sure or cannot rely on it. 2. (not clearly known) not known or fixed; something that might change or is not clear yet. 3. (unpredictable) likely to change often or behave in a way you cannot predict.

uncertain

adj.

US //ənˈsɝtən// UK //ʌnsˈɜːtən// un·cer·tain

1 feeling unsure (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

feeling that you do not know something for sure or cannot rely on it.

describing a subjective state of doubt or lack of confidence regarding a fact or outcome.

Example

She was uncertain about which road to take at the fork.

Example

Investors remained uncertain about the market's recovery, leading to a significant decrease in high-risk trading throughout the quarter.
2 not clearly known (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

not known or fixed; something that might change or is not clear yet.

describing an objective situation that is not established, confirmed, or clearly defined.

Example

The exact date of the party is still uncertain because of the weather.

Example

The origins of the manuscript remain uncertain, as carbon dating has provided conflicting results regarding the age of the parchment.

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3 unpredictable (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

likely to change often or behave in a way you cannot predict.

subject to change or variation; lacking a predictable pattern or stability.

Example

The weather in the mountains is very uncertain, so bring a jacket.

Example

The political climate remains uncertain, with shifting alliances making it difficult for analysts to forecast the outcome of the upcoming election.

Origin

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