uncertain
gb/ʌnsˈɚtən/ us/ʌnsˈɚtən/
B1
English
~ 3400
bizonytalan, nem biztos, kérdéses, instabil, ingatag, változékony
B1
1
bizonytalan
B1
nem biztos
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is uncertain about [something]
She was uncertain about which job offer to accept.
Bizonytalan volt abban, hogy melyik állásajánlatot fogadja el.
I’m uncertain whether we will have enough time.
Nem vagyok biztos benne, hogy lesz elég időnk.
The teacher seemed uncertain about the answer.
Learner examples
I am uncertain about my plans.
Bizonytalan vagyok a terveimmel kapcsolatban.
He is uncertain about the test.
Bizonytalan a dolgozattal kapcsolatban.
We are uncertain if it will rain.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'uncertain' with 'indecisive'. 'Uncertain' describes not being sure, while 'indecisive' describes difficulty making decisions.
Meaning
Not sure or confident
Collocations
uncertain future
|uncertain outcome
|uncertain about the decision
|feel uncertain
|remain uncertain
Synonyms
unsure (Slightly more informal; often used in everyday conversation.)
|
doubtful (Implies stronger skepticism or disbelief.)
Antonyms
confident (Shows certainty and self-assurance, the opposite of being unsure.)
|
sure (Direct opposite, meaning having no doubt.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not sure about something, or not having a clear answer.
Not feeling sure about something, or not having a definite decision or opinion.
B1
2
bizonytalan
B1
kérdéses
B2
Usage pattern:
an uncertain [situation/result/outcome]
The outcome of the election is still uncertain.
A választás eredménye még bizonytalan.
Our travel plans are uncertain due to the weather.
Az időjárás miatt még bizonytalanok az utazási terveink.
The future of the project remains uncertain.
Learner examples
The time of the meeting is uncertain.
A megbeszélés időpontja bizonytalan.
The result is still uncertain.
Az eredmény még bizonytalan.
His future is uncertain.
Meaning
Not known or definite
Collocations
uncertain future
|uncertain times
|uncertain result
|remain uncertain
Synonyms
unknown (Simply means not known; less about doubt and more about lack of information.)
|
undecided (Implies a choice has not yet been made.)
Antonyms
certain (Means definite and known.)
|
definite (Implies fixed and clearly decided.)
Themes
daily life
|planning
|risk
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not fixed or decided; not clear.
Not clearly established, known, or decided.
B2
3
Usage pattern:
an uncertain [situation/movement/support]
He walked carefully on the uncertain bridge.
Óvatosan ment át az ingatag hídon.
The political situation is uncertain and could change overnight.
A politikai helyzet ingatag, és egyik napról a másikra megváltozhat.
The climber tested each step on the uncertain path.
Learner examples
The ladder feels uncertain.
A létra ingatagnak tűnik.
The weather is uncertain today.
Ma változékony az idő.
He stood on uncertain ground.
Meaning
Not steady or reliable
Collocations
uncertain footing
|uncertain weather
|uncertain market
Synonyms
unstable (More technical or formal; indicates risk of collapse or change.)
|
unpredictable (Focuses on the inability to foresee changes.)
Antonyms
stable (Firm, steady, and not changing suddenly.)
|
reliable (Dependable and consistent over time.)
Themes
safety
|movement
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not safe or steady; can change quickly.
Not stable, predictable, or safe; likely to change suddenly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
uncertain
IPA
GB/ʌnsˈɚtən/
US/ʌnsˈɚtən/
Syllables & stress
un - cer - tain (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cer)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: uncertain
Word family
Core family
Related words
uncertainly
adverb
Expressions
in no uncertain terms
1/ˈɪn nˈoʊ ʌnsˈɚtən tˈɚmz/
fixed phrase
Very clearly and firmly
Saying something very clearly so there is no doubt about what you mean.
Examples
- He refused in no uncertain terms to sign the document.
- They were told in no uncertain terms to leave the building.
leave someone in no uncertain terms
1/lˈiv sˈʌmwˌʌn ˈɪn nˈoʊ ʌnsˈɚtən tˈɚmz/
fixed phrase
Make something very clear
To say something in a strong and clear way so there is no doubt.
Examples
- She told him in no uncertain terms that he was wrong.
- The manager made it clear in no uncertain terms that lateness would not be tolerated.