Standard Lemma guide

incertain

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Not certain, uncertain.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective

Meaning 2

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • uncertain of his convictions
  • unsure of himself and his future
  • moving with uncertain (or unsure) steps
  • an uncertain smile
  • touched the ornaments with uncertain fingers

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: uncertain, unsure

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English incertayne, borrowed from Middle French incertain, derived in the 14th c. from certain, after Latin incertus (“uncertain”). By surface analysis, in- + certain.