— uncertainly , adv. — uncertainness , n.
/un serr"tn/ , adj.
1. not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
2. not confident, assured, or free from hesitancy: an uncertain smile.
3. not clearly or precisely determined; indefinite; unknown: a manuscript of uncertain origin.
4. vague; indistinct; not perfectly apprehended: an abstruse novel with uncertain themes.
5. subject to change; variable; capricious; unstable: a person of uncertain opinions.
6. ambiguous; unreliable; undependable: Her loyalties are uncertain.
7. dependent on chance or unpredictable factors; doubtful; of unforeseeable outcome or effect.
8. unsteady or flickering, as light; of changing intensity or quality.
[ 1250-1300; ME; see UN- 1 , CERTAIN ]
Syn. 1. unsure, unpredictable. UNCERTAIN, INSECURE, PRECARIOUS imply a lack of predictability. That which is UNCERTAIN is doubtful or problematical; it often involves danger through an inability to predict or to place confidence in the unknown: The time of his arrival is uncertain. That which is INSECURE is not firm, stable, reliable, or safe, and hence is likely to give way, fail, or be overcome: an insecure foundation, footing, protection. PRECARIOUS suggests great susceptibility to failure, or exposure to imminent danger: a precarious means of existence. 3. unsettled, undetermined. 8. irregular.