Meaning
“Uncertain” means not sure, not known, or not decided. It describes a situation, person, or thing that lacks clarity, confidence, or predictability.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Adjective
- Used to describe feelings, situations, or outcomes that are not definite or predictable.
Typical structures:
- be uncertain about + noun/verb-ing
- be uncertain whether/if + clause
- make sb uncertain about sth
Examples:
- “She was uncertain about her future.”
- “It’s uncertain whether he will come.”
Common Phrases
- uncertain future
- uncertain result
- feel uncertain about
- in an uncertain situation
- remain uncertain
Collocations
- verb + uncertain: feel uncertain, seem uncertain, remain uncertain
- noun + uncertain: future, outcome, result, time, world
- adverb + uncertain: very uncertain, extremely uncertain, somewhat uncertain
Examples
- The weather is uncertain; it might rain later.
- She felt uncertain about her decision to move abroad.
- The company’s future remains uncertain after the merger.
- I’m uncertain whether I locked the door.
- Investors are uncertain about the economic outlook.
- His expression was uncertain, as if he didn’t understand.
- The outcome of the election is still uncertain.
- Life is full of uncertain moments.
Synonyms or Related
- unsure
- doubtful
- indecisive
- hesitant
- unpredictable
Antonym
- certain
- confident
- sure
- definite