uncertain
adjective
un·cer·tain
ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn 
1
3
: indefinite, indeterminate
the time of departure is uncertain
4
: not certain to occur : problematical
his success was uncertain
5
: not reliable : untrustworthy
an uncertain ally
uncertainly
adverb
Examples of uncertain in a Sentence
The time of departure is still uncertain.
We are still uncertain of the truth.
She remains uncertain about her plans.
I'm uncertain about how to respond.
The cause of the fire is uncertain.
He has an uncertain temper.
They face a financially uncertain future.
Recent Examples on the Web
With demand rising across industrial sectors and investors bracing for an uncertain economic landscape, many investors are wondering whether silver deserves a more prominent spot in their portfolios.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
During uncertain times, Lorna Hall, WGSN content director, fashion, said the previous metal offers stability and status.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026
The path ahead appears as uncertain as the one before it.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
The chances of the ballot measure passing in November are uncertain, given the potential for enormous spending on the campaign — unlike statewide and other candidate races, there is no limit on the amount of money donors can contribute to support or oppose a ballot measure.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
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Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
During uncertain times, Lorna Hall, WGSN content director, fashion, said the previous metal offers stability and status.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026
The path ahead appears as uncertain as the one before it.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
The chances of the ballot measure passing in November are uncertain, given the potential for enormous spending on the campaign — unlike statewide and other candidate races, there is no limit on the amount of money donors can contribute to support or oppose a ballot measure.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
Cite this Entry
“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertain. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
uncertain
adjective
un·cer·tain
ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn
ˈən-
1
: not definite or fixed
an uncertain quantity
2
a
: not sure
uncertain of the truth
b
: not known for sure
an uncertain claim
3
: likely to change : not dependable
uncertain weather
uncertainly
adverb
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