English · Word Candidate

uncertain

/ʌnˈsɜːtən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: uncertainer · uncertainest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not certain; unsure.

Adjective

Examples

Conſider man without the protection and conduct of a ſuperior Being, and he is ſecure of nothing that he enjoys in this world, and uncertain of every thing that he hopes for.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Not known for certain; questionable.

Adjective

Examples

Tomorrow's weather is uncertain.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Something uncertain.

Noun

Examples

Thinking about the uncertain refines our perception of the certain, and generally this takes place in a framework in which the uncertain is the future and the certain is the present.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “uncertain” mean?

Not certain; unsure.

Is “uncertain” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.