Uncertain Meaning

UK /ʌnˈsɜːtən/
US /ʌnˈsɜːrtən/
Word Definition
uncertain meaning

Uncertain Definition & Usage

adjective

Not definite or fixed; lacking clarity or certainty.

Examples

  • "The outcome of the election is still uncertain."
  • "His plans for the weekend are uncertain, depending on the weather."
  • "The future of the company is uncertain due to recent financial losses."
  • "I felt uncertain about making such a big decision so quickly."
  • "She was uncertain whether she should accept the job offer or wait for a better opportunity."
adjective

Having doubts or lacking confidence about something or someone.

Examples

  • "He was uncertain about his ability to lead the team effectively."
  • "She looked uncertain as she walked into the meeting room, unsure of what to expect."
  • "The child felt uncertain about going to a new school."
  • "Her uncertain attitude towards the project made the team nervous."
  • "He was uncertain about the relationship and didn’t know where it was headed."
adjective

Characterized by unpredictability or unreliability, especially when referring to external conditions or factors.

Examples

  • "The weather in this region is uncertain, making it difficult to plan outdoor activities."
  • "Economic conditions are uncertain at the moment, with rising inflation and unemployment."
  • "His uncertain mood made it hard to know whether he was pleased or upset."
  • "Due to uncertain market conditions, many investors are holding off on major purchases."
  • "The future of the peace talks is uncertain, with both sides showing little willingness to compromise."

Cultural Context

The word 'uncertain' has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, stemming from the Latin word 'incertus,' which combines 'in' (not) and 'certus' (certain). Over time, the term has evolved to describe situations or individuals where clarity, predictability, or confidence is absent. It is commonly used in various fields such as psychology, economics, and politics, where outcomes are not easily foreseeable.

The Uncertainty of Tomorrow

Story

The Uncertainty of Tomorrow

Clara stood by the window, gazing at the clouds that seemed to promise rain, yet the sun was still fighting through. It was one of those moments in life when everything felt uncertain. Should she attend the job interview in the city tomorrow, or should she stay back and focus on her current project? The decision was not just about her career; it also meant disrupting her life in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Her friends told her it was a great opportunity, but Clara couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. She had always been the type to plan ahead, to chart her path, but lately, her confidence seemed to falter. It was as though the road ahead was shrouded in fog, and the direction wasn’t clear. She had done her research, but there were so many variables, so many unknowns. The future felt uncertain, as if the answers she sought were hidden behind a veil she couldn’t quite lift. Yet, in her heart, she knew that only by embracing this uncertainty could she truly grow. She put the phone down, took a deep breath, and made a decision. Clara realized that perhaps the most uncertain part of her life was not the external world, but her own ability to navigate it. It was time to take the leap, uncertain as it may be, and trust herself.

The Uncertainty of Tomorrow