- uncertain
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/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.
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Universalium. 2010.