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uncertain

/ʌnˈsɜːr.tən/
adjective★Intermediate— not sure or confident
general

Not sure or confident about something; lacking certainty.

The weather forecast is uncertain for tomorrow.

The weather forecast is not clear or predictable for tomorrow.

He gave an uncertain answer to the question.

He responded in a way that showed he was not sure.

💡

Often used to describe a lack of confidence or clarity in decisions, predictions, or outcomes.

Collocations

feel uncertainto feel unsure or doubtfulremain uncertainto stay unsure or undecideduncertain futurea future that is not clear or predictable

Synonyms

unsuredoubtfulindecisivehesitantambiguous

Antonyms

certainconfidentsurecleardefinite

Related Phrases

certaintyphrase
the state of being sure or confident
uncertaintyphrase
the state of being unsure or not confident

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'uncertain' to describe a lack of confidence or clarity in decisions, predictions, or outcomes.

⚡Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

'Uncertain' is an adjective and is often followed by 'about' when referring to a specific issue or situation.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'uncertain', from Old French 'incertain', from Latin 'incertus', meaning 'not sure' or 'not certain'.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used to describe feelings, situations, or outcomes that lack clarity or confidence. Often used in formal and informal contexts.

Word Breakdown

un-
not
prefix
+
certain
sure or confident
root
English Dictionary

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