uncertain
uncertain 30 सेकंड में
- Uncertain describes things that are not definite or known for sure.
- It can refer to a person's feelings of doubt or a situation's unpredictability.
- Commonly used in news, business, and science to discuss unknown outcomes.
- Synonyms include unsure, doubtful, and tentative; the opposite is certain.
The word uncertain is a versatile adjective that describes a lack of clarity, predictability, or confidence. At its core, it signifies that something is not fixed or that a person is not sure about a fact or a future event. In everyday conversation, we use it to express doubt. For example, if you are asked about your weekend plans and you haven't decided yet, you might say your plans are uncertain. In more formal or scientific contexts, it refers to a lack of precision or the presence of variables that make an outcome impossible to predict with 100% accuracy.
- Emotional State
- When a person feels uncertain, they are experiencing a lack of confidence or hesitation. This often happens when facing big life changes, like starting a new job or moving to a different city. It is a feeling of being 'in between' two states of mind.
- Situational Status
- A situation is described as uncertain when the outcome depends on factors that are currently unknown. Economic forecasts are often described as uncertain because they depend on global events that haven't happened yet.
The future of the project remains uncertain until the funding is officially approved by the board of directors.
Culturally, the concept of being uncertain is often viewed with a mix of anxiety and opportunity. In Western business culture, uncertainty is something to be managed or mitigated through risk assessment. In philosophical contexts, uncertainty is seen as a fundamental part of the human condition—the idea that we can never truly know what tomorrow brings. This word appears frequently in news headlines regarding politics, the stock market, and climate change, where definitive answers are hard to come by. It bridges the gap between total ignorance and total knowledge.
She gave an uncertain smile, clearly not knowing whether to be happy or worried about the news.
- Scientific Usage
- In physics and statistics, uncertainty is a measurable value. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is a famous example where the word describes a physical limit to what can be known about a particle's position and momentum simultaneously.
Scientists are uncertain about the exact cause of the phenomenon, though they have several theories.
Using 'uncertain' correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns or follows linking verbs. It can describe people, things, or abstract concepts. When describing a person, it usually means they lack confidence. When describing a thing, it means the thing is unreliable or not clearly defined.
- Describing People
- 'He was uncertain of his next move.' Here, it shows internal doubt. It's more descriptive than 'he didn't know' because it implies a state of being.
The witness was uncertain when asked to identify the suspect in the lineup.
- Describing Events
- 'The outcome of the election is uncertain.' This means the result is not yet determined and could go either way. It highlights the unpredictability of the event.
Due to the storm, the flight's departure time is uncertain and may be delayed for hours.
In writing, 'uncertain' helps to create a mood of suspense or caution. If a novelist writes that a character took an 'uncertain step,' the reader immediately understands that the character is afraid or physically weak. In academic writing, it is used to acknowledge the limits of research. Instead of saying 'we don't know,' a researcher might write, 'The long-term effects remain uncertain,' which sounds more professional and precise.
The company faces an uncertain future after the sudden resignation of its CEO.
- With Prepositions
- 'Uncertain about' is used for general topics (uncertain about the weather), while 'uncertain of' often relates to facts or self-assurance (uncertain of the date).
Many graduates are uncertain about which career path to pursue after university.
'Uncertain' is a staple of news broadcasting and professional communication. You will hear it most frequently in contexts where experts are discussing the future or analyzing complex data. It is a 'safe' word for people in positions of authority because it allows them to avoid making definitive promises that might later be proven wrong.
- Financial News
- 'Investors are reacting to the uncertain market conditions.' In this context, it means the stock prices are fluctuating and the trend is not clear.
Economic growth is likely to remain uncertain for the remainder of the fiscal year.
- Weather Reports
- Meteorologists use it when weather models disagree. 'The path of the hurricane is still uncertain, so residents should stay alert.'
The timing of the first snowfall is uncertain, but temperatures are definitely dropping.
In literature and film, 'uncertain' is used to describe the atmosphere. A 'period of uncertain peace' suggests that war could break out at any moment. In medical settings, a doctor might describe a prognosis as uncertain if the patient's recovery depends on many variables. It is a word that carries the weight of reality—acknowledging that we do not have all the answers.
The archaeological findings date back to an uncertain period in the early Bronze Age.
While 'uncertain' is a common word, learners often confuse it with other terms or use it in slightly unnatural ways. The most common error is using it where 'unsure' would be more appropriate for personal feelings in casual conversation, or using it as a noun when 'uncertainty' is required.
- Confusing with 'Unsure'
- While they are synonyms, 'unsure' is more common for people. Saying 'I am uncertain' is correct but very formal. In a coffee shop, you'd say 'I'm unsure which one I want.'
Incorrect: I have much uncertain about the test. Correct: I have much uncertainty (or I am uncertain) about the test.
- Word Form Errors
- Learners sometimes use 'uncertain' as a noun. Remember: 'uncertain' is the adjective, 'uncertainty' is the noun, and 'uncertainly' is the adverb.
Another mistake is using 'uncertain' with the wrong prepositions. While 'uncertain about' is the most common, using 'uncertain to' is usually incorrect unless followed by a verb (e.g., 'uncertain to succeed'). Avoid saying 'I am uncertain to the answer'; instead, say 'I am uncertain of the answer'.
The results were uncertain, which led to further testing (Correct use of adjective).
To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to know words that are similar to 'uncertain' but carry different shades of meaning. Depending on the context—whether you're talking about a person's feelings or the nature of a situation—one of these alternatives might be more precise.
- Unsure vs. Uncertain
- 'Unsure' is personal and informal. 'Uncertain' is broader and can describe situations or facts. You are 'unsure' of your feelings, but the 'future' is uncertain.
- Ambiguous
- This means something has more than one possible meaning. If a law is 'ambiguous', it is 'uncertain' because it's not clear how to follow it.
The instructions were so ambiguous that the final result was uncertain.
- Tentative
- This describes something that is not yet fully worked out or certain. A 'tentative plan' is an uncertain plan that might change.
Other useful synonyms include 'dubious' (implying suspicion), 'vague' (lacking detail), and 'unpredictable' (changing frequently). Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of knowledge, the lack of clarity, or the potential for change.
His dubious claims made the success of the venture highly uncertain.
How Formal Is It?
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रोचक तथ्य
The root 'cert' is also found in 'discern' and 'secret', which all relate to the idea of separating or deciding between things.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Pronouncing the 't' too clearly in the last syllable (it should be more like 'un-sir-tn').
- Putting the stress on the first syllable (UN-certain).
- Confusing the 'cer' sound with 'cur'.
- Pronouncing 'un' like 'on'.
- Making the 'ai' in 'tain' sound like 'rain' (it should be a reduced vowel).
कठिनाई स्तर
Common in news and books, easy to recognize.
Requires correct preposition usage (about/of).
Useful for expressing doubt politely.
Often used by experts on TV and radio.
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Adjectives after linking verbs
The results *remain* uncertain.
Noun clauses after adjectives
I am uncertain *what I should do*.
Prepositional phrases as complements
She is uncertain *of the truth*.
Adverbial modification of adjectives
The situation is *highly* uncertain.
Using 'it' as a dummy subject
*It* is uncertain whether he will survive.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
I am uncertain about the time.
I don't know the exact time.
Subject + be + uncertain + about.
The weather is uncertain today.
It might rain or be sunny.
Adjective modifying the noun 'weather'.
She is uncertain of the answer.
She doesn't know if her answer is right.
Uncertain followed by 'of'.
Is the bus coming? It is uncertain.
We don't know if the bus will come.
Used as a predicate adjective.
He gave an uncertain 'yes'.
He said yes, but he was not sure.
Adjective before a noun.
The cat was uncertain about the new toy.
The cat didn't know if the toy was safe.
Describing an animal's reaction.
My plans for tomorrow are uncertain.
I don't know what I will do tomorrow.
Plural subject with 'are'.
They are uncertain where to go.
They don't know the way.
Uncertain followed by a 'where' clause.
The date of the meeting is still uncertain.
The meeting date hasn't been decided yet.
Still + uncertain.
He felt uncertain about his new job.
He was nervous and not sure if he would like it.
Felt + uncertain.
It is uncertain if the shop will open today.
Maybe the shop will open, maybe not.
It is uncertain + if clause.
She walked with uncertain steps on the dark path.
She walked carefully because she couldn't see.
Describing physical movement.
The price of the car is uncertain.
We don't know the exact price yet.
Adjective describing a value.
They were uncertain whether to stay or leave.
They couldn't decide what to do.
Uncertain + whether + infinitive.
The future of the old house is uncertain.
The house might be sold or knocked down.
Abstract noun 'future' modified by uncertain.
He gave an uncertain smile to the camera.
His smile didn't look very confident.
Adjective describing an expression.
The economic outlook remains highly uncertain.
The future of the economy is very unclear.
Remains + adverb + uncertain.
Scientists are uncertain about the long-term effects of the drug.
Experts don't know what will happen in the future.
Uncertain about + noun phrase.
The team is uncertain of their chances of winning.
The team doesn't know if they will win.
Uncertain of + possessive + noun.
It remains uncertain whether the new law will pass.
We don't know if the law will be approved.
Formal 'It remains' structure.
She was uncertain how to respond to the email.
She didn't know what to write back.
Uncertain + how clause.
The results of the test were uncertain, so they did it again.
The results were not clear.
Uncertain as a reason for action.
He faced an uncertain future after losing his job.
He didn't know what would happen next in his life.
Adjective + noun 'future'.
The origin of the artifact is uncertain.
Nobody knows where the object came from.
The political climate is increasingly uncertain.
Politics are becoming more unpredictable.
Increasingly + uncertain.
She made an uncertain gesture toward the door.
She moved her hand but didn't seem sure why.
Describing a non-verbal action.
The exact number of casualties remains uncertain.
We don't have a definite count yet.
Subject + remains + uncertain.
Investors are wary of the uncertain regulatory environment.
Business people are afraid because rules might change.
Uncertain as an attributive adjective.
The witness's memory of the event was uncertain.
The witness couldn't remember clearly.
Describing a mental state.
It is uncertain to what extent the climate will change.
We don't know how much the climate will change.
Uncertain + to what extent clause.
He spoke with an uncertain authority.
He tried to sound like a boss but didn't quite succeed.
Oxymoronic usage (uncertain authority).
The success of the mission is uncertain at this stage.
We can't say if the mission will work yet.
Prepositional phrase 'at this stage'.
The philosophical implications of the theory are deeply uncertain.
The deep meaning of the theory is not clear.
Deeply + uncertain.
We live in an era of uncertain global alliances.
Countries are not sure who their friends are right now.
Era of + adjective + noun.
The boundary between the two species remains uncertain.
Scientists aren't sure where one species ends and the other begins.
Describing scientific classification.
Her uncertain status in the company made her anxious.
She didn't know if she was going to be promoted or fired.
Uncertain modifying 'status'.
The poem captures the uncertain light of dusk.
The light is changing and not steady.
Literary usage describing light.
The legal outcome is uncertain, given the lack of precedent.
Because this hasn't happened before, the court's decision is unknown.
Given the + noun phrase.
He was uncertain of his own identity after the accident.
He didn't know who he was anymore.
Internal psychological state.
The project's funding is uncertain, pending further review.
The money is not guaranteed yet.
Pending + noun phrase.
The narrative voice is deliberately uncertain, mirroring the protagonist's confusion.
The author wrote it this way on purpose.
Deliberately + uncertain.
In the uncertain world of quantum mechanics, particles exist in multiple states.
In the unpredictable world of small particles...
Prepositional phrase + adjective + noun.
His legacy remains uncertain, contested by historians and politicians alike.
People still argue about how he will be remembered.
Contested by + noun phrase.
The melody had an uncertain, haunting quality.
The music sounded like it was searching for a note.
Describing aesthetic qualities.
The treaty provides only an uncertain peace in the region.
The peace is not strong and might end soon.
Only an + adjective + noun.
She gazed out at the uncertain horizon, where sea and sky merged.
The line between the water and the air was not clear.
Metaphorical/Visual usage.
The ethics of the situation are uncertain at best.
Even in the best case, we don't know what is right.
At best (idiomatic phrase).
The manuscript's authorship is uncertain, though many attribute it to Marlowe.
We don't know for sure who wrote the book.
Though + clause.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
In no uncertain terms
Uncertain of the way
Uncertain as to
The future is uncertain
An uncertain start
Uncertain glory
Of uncertain origin
Uncertain fate
Uncertain prospects
Uncertain temper
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
Unsure is more personal and informal; uncertain is more general and formal.
Ambiguous means having multiple meanings; uncertain means not known or definite.
Vague means lacking detail; uncertain means lacking certainty.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"In no uncertain terms"
Clearly and forcefully; without any doubt.
I told him in no uncertain terms to leave me alone.
neutral"Up in the air"
Uncertain; not yet decided or settled.
Our travel plans are still up in the air.
informal"Touch and go"
Extremely uncertain or risky.
It was touch and go for a while after the surgery.
informal"On the fence"
Uncertain or undecided between two choices.
I'm still on the fence about which car to buy.
informal"The jury is still out"
A decision or conclusion has not yet been reached.
The jury is still out on whether the new law is effective.
neutral"A toss-up"
A situation where two outcomes are equally likely and uncertain.
It's a toss-up between the two candidates.
informal"Cloudy future"
An uncertain or potentially bad future.
The company's bankruptcy left it with a cloudy future.
neutral"Shaky ground"
An uncertain or unstable position.
His argument is on shaky ground because he lacks evidence.
neutral"Wait and see"
A policy of waiting for an uncertain situation to become clear.
We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
neutral"In the balance"
In an uncertain state where either of two outcomes is possible.
The fate of the project hangs in the balance.
formalआसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Both start with 'in/un' and relate to things that happen.
Incidental means happening by chance as a minor part of something else; uncertain means not known.
The cost of the meal was incidental to the trip, but the weather was uncertain.
Both describe a lack of confidence.
Insecure usually refers to a person's self-esteem; uncertain refers to their knowledge or a situation.
He felt insecure about his looks and uncertain about his future.
Both imply you can't count on something.
Unreliable means it often fails; uncertain means you don't know if it will fail or not.
The old car is unreliable, so the arrival time is uncertain.
Both describe a lack of speed in action.
Hesitant is the action of pausing; uncertain is the feeling that causes the pause.
Because he was uncertain, he gave a hesitant answer.
Both involve doubt.
Dubious often implies that you think something is wrong or bad; uncertain is more neutral.
I am dubious about his honesty and uncertain about his plans.
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
I am uncertain.
I am uncertain.
It is uncertain if...
It is uncertain if it will rain.
Subject + remain + uncertain.
The future remains uncertain.
Uncertain about + noun.
He is uncertain about the rules.
Uncertain whether + clause.
They were uncertain whether to go.
Highly/Deeply + uncertain.
The outcome is highly uncertain.
Uncertain + noun (attributive).
She gave an uncertain response.
Uncertain + as to + noun phrase.
I am uncertain as to the validity of the claim.
शब्द परिवार
संज्ञा
क्रिया
विशेषण
संबंधित
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Common in both spoken and written English, especially in news and professional contexts.
-
I have an uncertain.
→
I have an uncertainty.
'Uncertain' is an adjective, not a noun. You need the noun form 'uncertainty' after 'an'.
-
He is uncertain to the answer.
→
He is uncertain of the answer.
We use the preposition 'of' or 'about' with 'uncertain', not 'to'.
-
The weather is unsure.
→
The weather is uncertain.
'Unsure' is usually for people's feelings; 'uncertain' is better for external situations like weather.
-
I am uncertain if to go.
→
I am uncertain whether to go.
When followed by an infinitive (to go), 'whether' is much more common and natural than 'if'.
-
It was an uncertainly situation.
→
It was an uncertain situation.
Use the adjective 'uncertain' to modify the noun 'situation', not the adverb 'uncertainly'.
सुझाव
Formal Writing
Use 'uncertain' instead of 'unsure' in essays and reports to sound more professional and objective.
Preposition Choice
Remember to use 'about' for general things and 'of' for specific facts. 'I'm uncertain about the project' vs 'I'm uncertain of the deadline'.
Polite Doubt
If you want to disagree politely, start with 'I'm a little uncertain about that...' It sounds less aggressive than 'You're wrong'.
Word Family
Learn 'uncertainty' (noun) and 'uncertainly' (adverb) at the same time to quickly expand your range.
Context Clues
When you see 'uncertain' in a news headline, look for words like 'risk', 'future', or 'may' to understand the context.
The 'T' Sound
Don't stress the 't' too much. Practice saying 'un-cer-nnn' to sound more like a native speaker.
Descriptive Power
Use 'uncertain' to describe light, sounds, or movements to create a sense of mystery in your writing.
Avoid Repetition
If you've already used 'uncertain', try 'unpredictable' or 'unclear' to keep your writing interesting.
Visual Aid
Associate 'uncertain' with a question mark. Whenever you see a question mark, think of the word 'uncertain'.
Global Use
This word is understood globally in business. Using it correctly will help you in international professional settings.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of 'UN' (not) + 'CERTAIN' (sure). If you are UNcertain, you are NOT sure. Imagine a person standing at a 'U' turn, not knowing which way to go.
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a foggy road where you can't see the signs. The road ahead is uncertain.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to use 'uncertain' in three different ways today: once about the weather, once about a plan, and once about a feeling.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
From Old French 'uncertain', from 'un-' (not) + 'certain' (sure). The word 'certain' comes from the Latin 'certus', which means 'determined, fixed, or settled'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century.
मूल अर्थ: Not fully confident in one's knowledge; not fixed or determined.
Indo-European (Latin branch via French).सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
No specific sensitivities, but be aware that describing a person as 'uncertain' can sometimes imply they are weak or indecisive.
Used frequently in polite disagreement or to avoid making a promise.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Weather
- uncertain forecast
- uncertain weather patterns
- uncertainty in the atmosphere
- uncertain path of the storm
Finance
- uncertain market
- uncertain economic outlook
- uncertain investment
- uncertainty regarding interest rates
Personal Feelings
- uncertain about the future
- uncertain of one's feelings
- uncertain how to act
- feeling uncertain and anxious
Science
- uncertain results
- uncertainty principle
- uncertain data
- uncertainty in measurement
Law/Politics
- uncertain outcome
- uncertain legal status
- uncertain political climate
- uncertainty over the new treaty
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"Are you uncertain about any of your plans for the upcoming holiday?"
"What do you do when you feel uncertain about a big decision?"
"Do you think the future of the environment is uncertain or are you optimistic?"
"Have you ever been uncertain of the way and gotten lost in a new city?"
"Why do you think people find uncertain situations so stressful?"
डायरी विषय
Describe a time in your life when everything felt uncertain. How did you handle it?
Write about a decision you are currently uncertain about. What are the pros and cons?
In what ways is an uncertain future better than a certain one?
How does the word 'uncertain' change the mood of a story when used to describe a character?
Reflect on a scientific or historical fact that was once uncertain but is now known for sure.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNot necessarily. While uncertainty can cause anxiety, it simply means something is unknown. An 'uncertain outcome' could be a pleasant surprise. However, in business, it is often viewed as a risk.
No, that is incorrect. You should say 'I am uncertain whether to go' or 'I am uncertain about going'. Adjectives like uncertain usually require a 'whether' clause or a prepositional phrase.
They are very similar. 'Uncertain about' is more common for general topics (uncertain about the future). 'Uncertain of' is often used for specific facts or self-assurance (uncertain of the date, uncertain of himself).
Yes, 'uncertainty' is the standard noun. You might occasionally see 'uncertainness', but it is very rare and not recommended for learners.
In many English dialects, especially American, the 't' is not fully pronounced. It is a 'glottal stop', where you stop the air in your throat, followed immediately by the 'n' sound.
Yes, if someone has an 'uncertain temper', it means their mood changes unpredictably. If a person is 'uncertain', it usually means they are currently feeling indecisive.
The most direct opposite is 'certain'. Other opposites include 'sure', 'definite', 'fixed', and 'decided'.
Yes, it is a key term in science, particularly in the 'Uncertainty Principle' in physics, which states that you cannot know both the position and speed of a particle perfectly.
It's related, but 'maybe' is an adverb and 'uncertain' is an adjective. You can say 'The result is uncertain' instead of 'Maybe it will happen'.
Yes, it is generally classified as B1 on the CEFR scale, meaning it is an intermediate-level word that students should know for everyday and professional use.
खुद को परखो 175 सवाल
Write a sentence using 'uncertain' to describe the weather.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain a time you felt uncertain about a decision.
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Listen and identify the word: 'The path of the storm is still /ʌnˈsɜː.tən/.'
Write a sentence using 'uncertain' and 'whether'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How would you describe an 'uncertain future'?
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Identify the stress in 'uncertain'.
Use 'uncertain' in a sentence about a job interview.
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Pronounce 'uncertain' and 'curtain'. Do they rhyme?
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Which syllable is stressed in 'uncertainty'?
Write a sentence using 'highly uncertain'.
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Is it better to be certain or uncertain in a debate?
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Listen to the sentence: 'The witness was uncertain.' What was the witness's state?
Write a short story (3 sentences) using the word 'uncertain'.
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How do you feel when your plans are uncertain?
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तुमने कहा:
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Which word sounds like 'uncertain'? A) Curtain B) Mountain C) Fountain D) All of the above
Write a formal sentence about an uncertain economic situation.
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Why is the weather in some countries more uncertain than in others?
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Is the 'un' in 'uncertain' pronounced like 'on' or 'un'?
Describe an uncertain feeling you had recently.
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Talk about an uncertain outcome in a sports game.
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तुमने कहा:
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Listen to the word 'uncertainty'. How many syllables does it have?
Write a sentence about an uncertain path in a forest.
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How do you handle uncertainty in your daily life?
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तुमने कहा:
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Identify the word: 'The /ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/ of the situation was stressful.'
Write a sentence about an uncertain medical diagnosis.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Why is it hard to be certain about the future of technology?
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तुमने कहा:
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Listen to the word 'uncertainly'. Where is the stress?
Write a sentence about an uncertain memory.
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Is being uncertain a sign of weakness?
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तुमने कहा:
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Listen and spell the word: /ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/.
Write a sentence about an uncertain scientific discovery.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Why is the future of the climate uncertain?
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Listen to the word 'ascertain'. Is it related to 'uncertain'?
Write a sentence about an uncertain historical event.
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How do you feel when you are uncertain of the way in a new city?
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Identify the word: 'He looked /ʌnˈsɜː.tən.li/ at the door.'
Write a sentence about an uncertain result of a game.
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What are you uncertain about in your life right now?
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Identify the word: 'The /ʌnˈsɜː.tən/ nature of the economy.'
Write a sentence using 'uncertain' and 'future'.
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Is uncertainty a good or bad thing?
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Listen to the word 'certainly'. Is it the same as 'uncertainly'?
Write a sentence about an uncertain plan.
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How do you feel when you are uncertain about an answer in a test?
Read this aloud:
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Identify the word: 'The /ʌnˈsɜː.tən/ outcome of the election.'
Write a sentence using 'uncertain' and 'about'.
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Why do people feel uncertain about the future?
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Identify the stress in 'uncertain'.
Write a sentence using 'uncertain' to describe a person's feelings.
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How do you feel when you are uncertain about something?
Read this aloud:
तुमने कहा:
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Identify the word: 'The /ʌnˈsɜː.tən/ future.'
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Summary
Uncertain is a B1-level adjective used to express doubt or lack of clarity. Example: 'The weather is uncertain today, so bring an umbrella just in case.' It helps you sound more professional than just saying 'I don't know.'
- Uncertain describes things that are not definite or known for sure.
- It can refer to a person's feelings of doubt or a situation's unpredictability.
- Commonly used in news, business, and science to discuss unknown outcomes.
- Synonyms include unsure, doubtful, and tentative; the opposite is certain.
Formal Writing
Use 'uncertain' instead of 'unsure' in essays and reports to sound more professional and objective.
Preposition Choice
Remember to use 'about' for general things and 'of' for specific facts. 'I'm uncertain about the project' vs 'I'm uncertain of the deadline'.
Polite Doubt
If you want to disagree politely, start with 'I'm a little uncertain about that...' It sounds less aggressive than 'You're wrong'.
Word Family
Learn 'uncertainty' (noun) and 'uncertainly' (adverb) at the same time to quickly expand your range.