uncertain

Examples

• All

• He felt uncertain about whether to accept the job offer or continue searching.

• His voice was uncertain, full of fear and the beating of his own heart.

  Fiction book (1992)

• If you are uncertain, find out why and be certain.

• I mean, at a time in their life when so many things are uncertain, they need to know that you are certain.

• You appear to be uncertain.

  Dragged Across Concrete (2019)

• But the other man seemed confused, uncertain, and for once he said nothing.

  Fiction book (1993)

• I think before my conversion, I was more uncertain of my place in relation to God.

  Academic text (2001)

• Work in an AP music course can assist youngsters who are uncertain about a career in music.

  Academic text (1992)

• Although she remained uncertain about her abilities, she felt obliged to tutor them.

  Academic text (2004)

• Miriam stood at the door for a moment, uncertain what to do.

  Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

I

insecure

vsuncertain

125 3.4

Not confident about yourself or your skills

applies more broadly to lacking clear knowledge or assurance

U

unsure

vsuncertain

99 1.5

Not confident or certain about what to do

also refers to broader lack of self assurance as well as facts

U

uneasy

vsuncertain

92 3.2

You feel worried and not relaxed

refers mainly to a lack of clear knowledge or inner assurance

H

hesitant

vsuncertain

72 3.2

Slow to act or speak because you feel unsure

describes the broader state of having no clear assurance rather than delay

C

conflicted

vsuncertain

49 4.4

Not sure because you have two opposite feelings

describes general lack of clear assurance without specific emotional opposition

D

doubtful

vsuncertain

14 3.0

Not sure about something and not ready to believe it

is wider, covering lack of clear assurance about people or things

W

wavering

vsuncertain

6 5.3

Hesitating and unsure about a decision or action

means general absence of clear assurance, not only shifting choices

V

vacillating

vsuncertain

1 8.1

Not able to make a firm decision and often changing their mind

is about an overall lack of clear assurance rather than repeated shifts

U

unconfident

vsuncertain

1 4.0

Feeling unsure about yourself or your abilities

covers general lack of clear knowledge or self assurance

U

unassured

vsuncertain

1 6.3

Not confident and acting unsure

is the overall state of lacking clear knowledge or inner assurance

Antonyms

C

confident

759 2.5

Feeling sure about yourself or what will happen

C

certain

722 1.0

Feeling sure and having no doubt

A

assured

20 4.1

Confident and steady in voice or movement

Idioms

I

in no uncertain terms

16 4.2

In a very clear, direct way that leaves no doubt

How Confident

sure

∞ 1.0

confident

759 2.5

uncertain

41 3.9

hesitant

72 3.2

insecure

125 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology