uncertain
gb/ʌnsˈɚtən/ us/ʌnsˈɚtən/
B1
Anglais
~ 3400
Sens
0 sens
adjective
B1
property
1
Not sure or confident
Not sure about something, or not having a clear answer.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone] is uncertain about [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'uncertain' with 'indecisive'. 'Uncertain' describes not being sure, while 'indecisive' describes difficulty making decisions.
Synonymes
unsure (Slightly more informal; often used in everyday conversation.)
|
doubtful (Implies stronger skepticism or disbelief.)
Antonymes
confident (Shows certainty and self-assurance, the opposite of being unsure.)
|
sure (Direct opposite, meaning having no doubt.)
Collocations
uncertain future
|uncertain outcome
|uncertain about the decision
|feel uncertain
|remain uncertain
Thèmes
emotions
|communication
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- She was uncertain about which job offer to accept.
- I’m uncertain whether we will have enough time.
- The teacher seemed uncertain about the answer.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I am uncertain about my plans.
- He is uncertain about the test.
- We are uncertain if it will rain.
adjective
B1
property
2
Not known or definite
Not fixed or decided; not clear.
Schéma d’usage :
an uncertain [situation/result/outcome]
Synonymes
unknown (Simply means not known; less about doubt and more about lack of information.)
|
undecided (Implies a choice has not yet been made.)
Antonymes
certain (Means definite and known.)
|
definite (Implies fixed and clearly decided.)
Collocations
uncertain future
|uncertain times
|uncertain result
|remain uncertain
Thèmes
daily life
|planning
|risk
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The outcome of the election is still uncertain.
- Our travel plans are uncertain due to the weather.
- The future of the project remains uncertain.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The time of the meeting is uncertain.
- The result is still uncertain.
- His future is uncertain.
adjective
B2
property
3
Not steady or reliable
Not safe or steady; can change quickly.
Schéma d’usage :
an uncertain [situation/movement/support]
Synonymes
unstable (More technical or formal; indicates risk of collapse or change.)
|
unpredictable (Focuses on the inability to foresee changes.)
Antonymes
stable (Firm, steady, and not changing suddenly.)
|
reliable (Dependable and consistent over time.)
Collocations
uncertain footing
|uncertain weather
|uncertain market
Thèmes
safety
|movement
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- He walked carefully on the uncertain bridge.
- The political situation is uncertain and could change overnight.
- The climber tested each step on the uncertain path.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The ladder feels uncertain.
- The weather is uncertain today.
- He stood on uncertain ground.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
uncertain
API
GB/ʌnsˈɚtən/
US/ʌnsˈɚtən/
Syllabes et accentuation
un - cer - tain (3 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cer)
Formes du mot
Adjective
- Base: uncertain
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.