# uncertain

/ənˈsɝtən/ (US) · /ʌnsˈɜːtən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/uncertain
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. feeling unsure

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. not clearly known

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. unpredictable

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She is uncertain about which job offer to accept.
- The future of the local library remains uncertain due to the recent budget cuts announced by the city.
- Economists remain uncertain whether the current market volatility represents a temporary correction or the beginning of a sustained downturn in global trade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.