What is uncertain? Pronunciation and usage in English

uncertain means . Learn how to pronounce and use uncertain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of uncertain

uncertainadjective

/ʌnˈsəːtn/
Definition & pronunciation of uncertain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "uncertain" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

Here's the typical pronunciation:

  • /ˈʌnˌsɜːr.tən/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈʌn (The first syllable) - This sounds like "un" as in "under," followed by a short "uh" sound (like the "a" in "about"). It's a quick, light sound.

  2. ˌsɜːr (The second syllable) - This is the trickiest part.

    • sɜː - Make the "s" sound quickly, then say "ser" with a long "e" sound – almost like "sir" but a little more open. Think of the "e" in "bed."
    • tən - This is a schwa sound (ə) – a very relaxed, neutral vowel sound. It's like the "a" in "about" or the "i" in "so." It's not fully pronounced.

  3. ˈtən (The third syllable) – Same as above, a schwa sound (ə).

Putting it together:

It’s really fast! Imagine saying "un-ser-uh-ten" quickly, blending the sounds together.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "uncertain" into Google Translate, and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/uncertain/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce uncertain” and you’ll find many videos.

  • Focus on the schwa: The second and third syllables rely heavily on the schwa sound. Don’t try to over-emphasize those vowels.

  • Don't stress the 't': The 't' in "uncertain" is almost silent; it's not pronounced distinctly.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of a specific part?

Usage and examples with the word uncertain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "uncertain" effectively in English. It’s a versatile word with several nuances, so understanding how it's used in different contexts is key.

1. Core Meaning: Lacking Certainty

At its most basic, "uncertain" means not sure or doubtful. It describes a state of lacking definite knowledge or confidence about something.

  • Example: "I’m uncertain about whether I should take this job." (I don't know for sure if it's the right choice.)
  • Example: "The weather forecast is uncertain." (The forecast isn't clear – it might rain, it might not.)

2. Forms of the Word:

  • Adjective: This is the most common form - uncertain (as we've been using). It describes nouns.

    • "He felt uncertain about the outcome."
    • "There was an uncertain atmosphere in the room."

  • Adverb: Uncertainly describes how something is done.

    • "She answered the question uncertainly." (Meaning she hesitated and didn't give a firm answer.)
    • "He walked uncertainly down the path." (Meaning he wasn't sure where he was going)

  • Verb (less common): To become uncertain means to start to doubt or lack confidence.

    • "After hearing the news, he became uncertain about his future."

3. Common Ways to Use "Uncertain" with Different Contexts:

  • With Decisions: (This is a very frequent use.)

    • "I’m uncertain about which university to attend."
    • "It's an uncertain decision with potential risks."

  • With Predictions/Forecasts: (As in the weather example above)

    • "The markets are highly uncertain at the moment."
    • "The economic outlook is uncertain."

  • With Feelings/Emotions:

    • "She felt uncertain after the argument." (She wasn't sure how he felt about her.)
    • "He expressed an uncertain hope about her return." (He wasn't completely sure she would come back.)

  • With Information:

    • "The information is uncertain and needs verification."
    • "There’s an uncertain element to the story." (A part of the story isn’t clear.)

  • Describing a Situation:

    • "The situation is uncertain; we need to proceed with caution."
    • "There’s an uncertain future for the company."

4. Synonyms for "Uncertain" (to expand your vocabulary):

  • Doubtful
  • Hesitant
  • Dubious
  • Questionable
  • Ambiguous
  • Vague
  • Unsure
  • Precarious (when it relates to a situation)

5. Phrases Using "Uncertain":

  • Uncertain of: "I'm uncertain of the exact date."
  • Uncertain about: "She's uncertain about her career path."
  • Remain uncertain: "Despite the evidence, the cause remains uncertain."

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • "The future of the project is uncertain due to lack of funding." (Describes a situation)
  • "He answered the question uncertainly, avoiding a direct response." (Describes how he answered)
  • "I felt uncertain about trusting him." (Describes a feeling)
  • “The data is uncertain, so we need to perform more research.” (Describes information)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., a formal essay, a conversation, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you want to use “uncertain”? (So I can help you refine it.)

Synonyms for the word uncertain

Idioms of the word uncertain

in no uncertain terms
clearly and strongly
  • I told him what I thought of him in no uncertain terms.

Practice with vocabulary uncertain

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She was ___________ about accepting the job offer because the company’s future seemed unstable.
  2. The results of the experiment were ____________, so the team decided to run it again.
  3. His explanation was ____________, and everyone in the meeting agreed with his reasoning.
  4. The weather forecast for tomorrow is ____________, so we should prepare for both rain and sunshine.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After the unexpected turn of events, the team felt:
    a) excited
    b) uncertain
    c) confident
    d) annoyed
  2. The manager’s instructions were unclear, leaving the employees feeling:
    a) motivated
    b) confused
    c) uncertain
    d) reassured
  3. The outcome of the negotiation was still:
    a) uncertain
    b) predictable
    c) definite
    d) satisfying
  4. She hesitated before answering, showing that she was:
    a) decisive
    b) doubtful
    c) certain
    d) impatient
  5. The project’s success depends on several factors that are still:
    a) ambiguous
    b) clear
    c) uncertain
    d) finalized

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The teacher was unsure about the correct answer to the student’s question.
    Rewrite: The teacher was uncertain about the correct answer to the student’s question.
  2. Original: The future of the company remains unclear due to market fluctuations.
    Rewrite: The future of the company remains uncertain due to market fluctuations.
  3. Original: He was doubtful about whether the plan would work.
    Rewrite: He was skeptical about whether the plan would work.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. uncertain
  2. uncertain
  3. reasonable
  4. unpredictable

Exercise 2:

  1. b) uncertain
  2. c) uncertain
  3. a) uncertain
  4. b) doubtful
  5. c) uncertain

Exercise 3:

  1. The teacher was uncertain about the correct answer to the student’s question.
  2. The future of the company remains uncertain due to market fluctuations.
  3. He was skeptical about whether the plan would work.

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