uncertain
word
/ənˈsɝtən/
/ʌnsˈɜːtən/
Definition
Not sure or not known; feeling doubt or unable to decide about something. Can describe both situations and personal feelings.
Usage & Nuances
'Uncertain' is mildly formal and often describes facts ('The result is uncertain'), feelings ('She is uncertain about her future'), or general situations. Common collocations: 'uncertain future', 'uncertain outcome', 'be uncertain about'. Don't confuse with 'unsure' (which is more personal/subjective).
Spanish: incierto - inseguroPortuguese (BR): incerto - inseguroPortuguese (PT): incerto - inseguroChinese (Simplified): 不确定的 - 不肯定的Chinese (Traditional): 不確定的 - 不肯定的Hindi: अनिश्चित - संदिग्धArabic: غير مؤكد - غير واضحBengali: অনিশ্চিত - সন্দেহজনকRussian: неуверенный - неопределённыйJapanese: 不確かな - 不明確なVietnamese: không chắc chắn - chưa rõKorean: 불확실한 - 확신이 없는Turkish: belirsiz - emin olmayanUrdu: غیر یقینی - غیر واضحIndonesian: tidak pasti - ragu-ragu
Example Sentences
I feel uncertain about my decision.
basic
The weather forecast is uncertain for tomorrow.
basic
His future plans remain uncertain.
basic
We're still uncertain if the meeting will happen.
natural
John sounded uncertain when he answered the question.
natural
With all these changes, the outcome is really uncertain.
natural