uncertainadj.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈsəːtn/, U.S. /ˌənˈsərtn/ 1.
a. Not determinate or fixed in point of time or occurrence; that may happen earlier or later.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > particular time > [adjective] > definite, fixed, or set > approximate or uncertain
uncertaina1300
loose1892
a1300 Cursor Mundi 23733 Es nathing certainur þan dede, Ne vncertainner þan es þe tide.
c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 1952 What es mare uncertayn thyng, Þan es þe tyme of the dede commyng.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Wisd. x. 7 Trees hauynge fruytis in vncerteyn tyme.
a1505 R. Henryson Thre Deid Pollis 12 in Poems (1981) 182 The hour of deth and place is vncertane.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. QQQii Vncertayn is thy dethe remember thyne ende.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) v. 29 The terme of cristis cumming is schort, ande the day oncertane.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclxijv To be differed to a tyme vncerten.
a1627 J. Beaumont Miserable State Man in Bosworth-field (1629) 86 Which fixe our minds on that vncertaine day, When these shall faile, most certaine to decay.
1811 Gen. Regulations & Orders Army 135 The Captain and Subaltern of the Day of each Regiment are to visit the Hospital at different and uncertain Hours.
b. Not determinate or fixed in amount, number, or extent.
ΚΠ
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 6688 Betwyxe oure ioye, and ȝoure peyne, ys endles tyme, and vncerteyne.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Job xv. 20 The noumbre of ȝeris of his tiraundise is vncertein.
c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) ix. 127 Sithyn the said extraordinarie charges bith so vncertayne þat thai be not estymable.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Yard-land This uncertain quantity in 28 of Edward IV. is call'd a Verge of Land.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth I. 339 The activity of the winds, their continual change, and uncertain duration.
1775 S. Johnson Taxation no Tyranny 14 A duty of very uncertain extent.
1816 P. B. Shelley Hymn Intell. Beauty iv. 2 Love, Hope, and Self-esteem, like clouds depart And come, for some uncertain moments lent.
1839 W. B. Stonehouse Hist. Isle of Axholme 25 The warp along the shores of the Trent forms a bed of uncertain thickness.
c. Having no regular shape. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > misshapenness > [adjective] > asymmetrical or misproportioned
misproportioned1552
asymmetral1615
eccentric1647
incommensurate1650
asymmetrous1661
asymmetrical1690
lopsided1711
uncertain1742
unsymmetrical1755
one-sided1857
alop1865
asymmetric1878
1742 G. Leoni tr. A. Palladio Architecture I. 81 It was pav'd with uncertain Stones, that is, such as had unequal sides and angles.
2.
a. Not certain or determined in respect of occurrence; dependent on chance or accident.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [adjective] > random or haphazard
uncertain1303
casualc1460
haphazard1576
roving1577
hazardous1585
chanceful1594
firmless1605
random1655
temerarious1660
aleatory1693
contingent1703
unlawed1789
by the way1846
chancy1860
fluky1880
hitty-missy1885
perchance1891
happenchance1905
happenstance1905
willy-nilly1933
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > state of being unprovable > [adjective] > uncertain in scope
uncertain1303
indeterminate1603
uncast1606
uncounted1783
uncalculated1884
uncomputed1885
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 5995 Here mercy ys ful on-certeyn But þey ȝelde hem here gode aȝeyn.
1484 Coventry Leet Bk. 518 Because they shuld not come in þe market..Howe-so-euer þe price of whete went higher or lower, which was thought vncerteyn.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. xix. 32 The things future, being also euents very vncertaine, and such as can not possibly be knowne because they be not yet.
1637 J. Milton Comus 13 Peace brother, be not over exquisite To cast the fashion of uncertaine evils.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) II. 269 Such remainder is contingent, because it is uncertain which of them will survive.
1853 W. Thomson Outl. Laws of Thought (ed. 3) §124. 332 Uncertain events are those wherein no cause or law appears, to determine the occurrence of one rather than of another.
1880 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip XXV. 116/1 There are small ledges here and there formed..by the uncertain deposit of material, or by the uncertain slip of shingle.
b. Devoid of, lacking in, certainty or settled character; liable to change or accident.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > changeableness > [adjective]
slidinga900
wankleeOE
windyc1000
unsteadfastc1200
fleeting?c1225
loose?c1225
brotelc1315
unstablec1340
varyingc1340
variantc1374
motleyc1380
ungroundedc1380
muablea1393
passiblea1393
remuablea1393
changeablea1398
movablea1398
variablec1397
slidderya1400
ticklec1400
variantc1412
flitting1413
mutable?a1425
movingc1425
flaskisable1430
flickering1430
transmutablec1430
vertible1447
brittlea1450
ficklea1450
permutablec1450
unfirmc1450
uncertain1477
turnable1483
unsteadfast1483
vagrantc1522
inconstant1526
alterable?1531
stirringc1540
slippery1548
various1552
slid?1553
mutala1561
rolling1561
weathery1563
unconstant1568
interchangeable1574
fluctuant1575
stayless1575
transitive1575
voluble1575
changeling1577
queasy1579
desultory1581
huff-puff1582
unstaid1586
vagrant1586
changeful1590
floating1594
Protean1594
unstayed1594
swimming1596
anchorless1597
mobilec1600
ticklish1601
catching1603
labile1603
unrooted1604
quicksilvered1605
versatile1605
insubstantial1607
uncertain1609
brandling1611
rootless1611
squeasy1611
wind-changinga1616
insolid1618
ambulatory1625
versatilous1629
plastic1633
desultorious1637
unbottomed1641
fluid1642
fluent1648
yea-and-nay1648
versipellous1650
flexile1651
uncentred1652
variating1653
chequered1656
slideable1662
transchangeative1662
weathercock-like1663
flicketing1674
fluxa1677
lapsable1678
wanton1681
veering1684
upon the weathercock1702
contingent1703
unsettled?1726
fermentable1731
afloat1757
brickle1768
wavy1795
vagarious1798
unsettled1803
fitful1810
metamorphosical1811
undulating1815
tittupya1817
titubant1817
mutative1818
papier mâché1818
teetotum1819
vacillating1822
capricious1823
sensitive1828
quicksilvery1829
unengrafted1829
fluxionala1834
proteiform1833
liquid1835
tottlish1835
kaleidoscopic1846
versative1846
kaleidoscopical1858
tottery1861
choppy1865
variative1874
variational1879
wimbly-wambly1881
fluctuable1882
shifty1882
giveable1884
shifty1884
tippy1886
mutatory1890
upsettable1890
rocky1897
undulatory1897
streaky1898
tottly1905
tipply1906
up and down1907
inertialess1927
sometimey1946
rise-and-fall1950
switchable1961
1477 Rolls of Parl. VI. 168/1 The lyf of every creature is uncertayn.
1503–4 Act 19 Hen. VII c. 25 Preamble Lyfe [is] as uncertayne to suche as survyve as was to them now departed.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Tim. vi. 17 Charge them..that they be not excedynge wyse, and that they trust not in the vncertayne riches, but in the livynge god.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) v. ii. 87 Their Aches losses, Their pangs of Loue, with other incident throwes That Natures fragile Vessell doth sustaine In lifes vncertaine voyage. View more context for this quotation
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 39 He ought not voluntarily to thrust himselfe into destruction..; that he should leave his children in an uncertain mean estate.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding i. iii. 21 Truth and Certainty..are not at all secured by them: But Men are in the same uncertain, floating estate with, as without them.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes II. iii. xxix. 39 For the World's uncertain Fate Alarm'd.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham III. x. 159 My mother was much better, but still in a very uncertain and dangerous state of health.
1850 J. McCosh Method Divine Govt. (ed. 2) ii. ii. 167 There is nothing so uncertain as bodily health and human destiny.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn II. xlv. 113 His philosophic teacher..persuaded him that a firm death was preferable to troubled and uncertain life.
3. absolute.1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope xvi Men ought not to leue that thynge whiche is sure & certayne, for hope to haue the vncertayn.1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxxix It was not the poynt of a wiseman, to leaue and let passe, the certain for the vncertain.
a. About which one cannot be certain or assured; subject to doubt.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > [adjective]
openlOE
doubtousc1330
uncertain1338
doubtyc1380
brigousa1387
doubtablec1400
doubtfula1425
questionable1443
batable1453
strivablec1456
inquirable1485
litigious1520
doubtsomea1522
disputable1548
dubious1548
doubted?1551
moot1563
problematical1567
discussiblea1578
debatable1581
controversial1583
disputativea1586
debateful1587
decidable1596
controversible1601
controvertible1601
controversal1604
controversable1607
problematic1609
controversary1610
left-handed1610
disputed1611
dubitable1625
quarrellable1642
catchinga1670
non liquet1678
brigose1679
contestable1702
equivocala1797
controversional1807
contradictable1856
discutable1868
hinky1961
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 324 Who may now in Rome haf any sikernesse, Þat þer is hiest dome, & ȝit vncerteyn es?
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (1868) v. pr. iii. 154 Þan ne sholde þer ben no stedfast prescience of þinge to comen but raþer an vncerteyn oppinioun.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. ix. 26 Therfore I renne so, not as into an uncerteyn thing; thus I fiȝte, not as betynge the eyr.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope xvi Men ought not to lete goo..what they be sure of, hopynge to haue afterwards that..whiche is vncertayne.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 9206 Hit semith me vnsertain, all serchyng of wayes.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. vii. f. 76 Petrus Arias..hath offered hym selfe to aduenture his lyfe..vnder vncerteyne hope of gayne.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 ii. iv. 11 The purpose you vndertake is dangerous, the friends you have named vncertaine . View more context for this quotation
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 2 Vncertaine stories, which not only perplexe the hearers, but beget incredulitie, oftentimes amongst the credulous.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. xii. 70 It is very difficult, and a thing uncertain also to arrive herein unto Exactness.
1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity i, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 424 Forc'd by reflective Reason I confess, That human Science is uncertain Guess.
1794 S. Williams Nat. & Civil Hist. Vermont (1809) I. vii. 221 If the facts had been true, the conclusions which have been drawn from them would have been wholly uncertain.
1798 W. Wordsworth Lines Tintern Abbey in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads 202 With some uncertain notice, as might seem, Of vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xxi. 548 New, important, and uncertain or unexpected results, are to be repeated once or twice.
b. Of ways, etc.: Not clearly leading to a certain goal or destination.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > [adjective] > not clear
uncertainc1380
ungaina1400
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 363 Certis þat man were a fool þat wolde take þis uncerteine weie, and leeve þe certeyn witt and feyþ.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus Iter ambiguum, vncertayne way.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iv. ii. 65 Murther her brothers, and then marrie her, Vncertaine waie of gaine.
1653 J. Taylor (title) The certain travailes of an uncertain journey.
1655 J. Denham Coopers Hill (new ed.) 15 He..more Repents his courage, then his feare before; Finds that uncertaine waies unsafest are.
1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 3 One who, long in thickets and in brakes Entangled, winds now this way and now that His devious course uncertain, seeking home.
1818 J. Keats Endymion ii. 55 For many days, Has he been wandering in uncertain ways: Through wilderness.
1850 W. Wordsworth Prelude vi. 164 Doubting not that..by no uncertain path..Led, as before, we should behold the scene.
c. That cannot be relied on to produce a particular result.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > unreliability > [adjective]
unsicker?c1225
uncertaina1382
unsadc1384
untristya1387
untrustya1387
unsurec1412
falliblec1425
slipperc1430
ficklea1450
frivol1488
slidder?a1500
casuala1535
slippery1548
slippy1548
failable1561
doubtful1562
lubricious1584
slope1587
queasy1589
unconfirmedc1592
nice1598
catching1603
loose1603
precary1606
ambiguous1612
treacherous1612
unsafe1615
unsureda1616
precarious1626
lubric1631
dubious1635
lubricous1646
unestablished1646
unfixed1654
unsecure?a1685
unreliable1810
unproven1836
untrustworthy1846
shady1848
wobbly1877
Kaffir1899
independable1921
dodgy1961
temperamental1962
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Wisd. ix. 14 The thoȝtis forsothe of deadli men [ben] dredful, and vncerteyn oure purueauncis.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. iv. sig. Cc4v So vp and downe he wandred many a mile, With wearie trauell and vncertaine toile. View more context for this quotation
1759 R. Brown Compl. Farmer ii. 119 Hops are a very uncertain crop.
1765 Museum Rusticum 4 314 He admits the spring-sowing to be uncertain.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall III. xxx. 175 These expensive and uncertain treaties.
1833 Penny Cycl. I. 186 In this arid region..maize, barley, and caffre corn, afford the husbandman a miserable and uncertain crop.
4.
a. Not known with certainty; not established or proved beyond doubt; doubtful, dubious.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > [adjective]
uncouthc897
uncertaina1325
non-certaina1425
unsurec1445
incertaina1492
uncert1543
ancipitous1652
unsecure?a1685
equivocal1769
problematical1770
screwed-up1942
a1325 Prose Psalter l. 7 Þe vncerteyn þynges and pryue of þy wisdom þou made to me apert.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 334 Roberte's men þei slowe, þe numbre vncerteyn.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 63 Hit is vncerteyn who bulde first þis citee.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 41 Fortune or els what other name soever you wyl gyve to the blynd & uncertayne causys wych be not in mannys powar.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. f. 22 Euen the wisest of them..in theyr prayers do cal vpon vncertayne gods.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 68 The Earle of Saillisberrie quho was slaine be the schot of ane goun, wncertane hou or be quhat way.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 288 Uncertaine it is, whether he made these buildings, or the buildings made him.
1639 Ld. Balmerino in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 48 Occurrents heere are vncertain.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron II. vi. v. 14 What was uncertain in the primitive times cannot be undoubted in the subsequent.
1807 J. Robinson Archæol. Græca iii. xiv. 260 It is uncertain who was the inventor of divination by sacrifices... By some it is ascribed to the Hetrurians.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 121 The relation [of the Parmenides] to the other writings of Plato is..uncertain.
b. Without clear signification; ambiguous. in no uncertain terms, emphatically, very clearly indeed.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > equivocal quality, ambiguity > [adjective]
double?c1225
uncertainc1384
equivoquea1450
amphibille?1450
ambiguousc1487
indifferent?1531
forked1551
amphibological1587
equivocal1601
double-meaning1605
left-handed1610
dilogical1616
two-edgeda1625
biviousa1644
equivocating1645
amphibolous1647
yea-and-nay1648
amphibolical1652
bifarious1656
double-handed1661
squibbling1674
ambigual1683
equivocous1701
ambiguea1734
double-edged1791
multivocala1834
grey1835
amphibolic1873
ambivalent1923
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [phrase] > rendering outstanding
in (or to) soothc1300
by my, your, etc.(good) sootha1400
in good or very sooth1577
Heaven knowsa1628
in the name of wonder1629
yes, sir1799
in no uncertain terms1958
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xiv. 8 If the trumpe ȝyue vncerteyn vois [a1425 L.V. soune], who schal make him silf redy to bateil?
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. xiv. 8 If the trumpet giue an vncertaine sound. View more context for this quotation
1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xvi. 147 Metaphorical or borrowed words, which..make an uncertain sound, and leave the mind in confusion.
1804 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. IV. 425 (margin) Where a Deed is uncertain, it has no effect.
1905 ‘G. Thorne’ Lost Cause x When the most influential part of the Press began to speak with no uncertain voice.
1958 L. Durrell Balthazar vi. 139 And what's more, I told Abdul so in no uncertain terms. ‘Lay a finger on the girl..and I'll get you run in.’
1976 J. Snow Cricket Rebel 132 Here we were bowling them out so that they could take advantage of it [sc. a green wicket]. They did that in no uncertain terms.
1977 Time Out 28 Jan. 7/1 Five months after the programme was axed, Edmonds was told in no uncertain terms why it didn't fit.
c. Not clearly identified, located, or determined. of uncertain age.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > state of being unprovable > [adjective] > not investigated or explained
undiscovereda1542
uncleared1592
uncertain1617
indeterminate1626
uncircumstantial1646
unfathomed1659
unexcussed1660
unanalysed1754
uncircumstanced1766
unaccreditated1806
unelucidateda1832
undescribed1852
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 192 Which King Phillip Augustus began to build in..1257, the foundations being before laid by an uncertaine founder.
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 518 The vncertaine buriall of Vortimer..was in some part of this Citie.
1632 Guillim's Display of Heraldrie (ed. 2) i. vi. 41 According to that saying of an vncertaine Author.
1818 Ld. Byron Beppo xxii. 12 The years Which certain people call a ‘certain age’, Which yet the most uncertain age appears.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. xiii. 330 A large and massive Keep, which formed the citadel of the Castle, was of uncertain though great antiquity.
1877 F. H. Burnett Theo v. 137 The blandishments of a single gentleman of uncertain age.
1900 A. S. Murray Catal. Sculpt. Parthenon Brit. Mus. 77 No. 30 is a maiden holding an uncertain object, perhaps a footstool, on her left arm.
1930 A. Christie Murder at Vicarage iv. 33 There is no detective in England equal to a spinster lady of uncertain age with plenty of time on her hands.
1952 J. Cannan Body in Beck vii. 152 The fair sex is very credulous, especially in the case of maiden ladies of uncertain age.
d. Not clearly defined or outlined.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > lack of shape > [adjective] > without clearly defined shape
indistinguishable1609
uncertain1638
vague1822
unsharp1889
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 89 The uncertaine shapes of clouds most commonly are likened unto anything our wandering minde conceiveth.
1832 Ld. Tennyson Palace of Art lxii, in Poems (new ed.) 86 But in dark corners of her palace stood Uncertain shapes.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xlvii. 444 Every thing, in short, grew blurred and uncertain.
5.
a. Not certain to remain in one state or condition; unsteady, variable, fitful.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > changeableness > [adjective]
slidinga900
wankleeOE
windyc1000
unsteadfastc1200
fleeting?c1225
loose?c1225
brotelc1315
unstablec1340
varyingc1340
variantc1374
motleyc1380
ungroundedc1380
muablea1393
passiblea1393
remuablea1393
changeablea1398
movablea1398
variablec1397
slidderya1400
ticklec1400
variantc1412
flitting1413
mutable?a1425
movingc1425
flaskisable1430
flickering1430
transmutablec1430
vertible1447
brittlea1450
ficklea1450
permutablec1450
unfirmc1450
uncertain1477
turnable1483
unsteadfast1483
vagrantc1522
inconstant1526
alterable?1531
stirringc1540
slippery1548
various1552
slid?1553
mutala1561
rolling1561
weathery1563
unconstant1568
interchangeable1574
fluctuant1575
stayless1575
transitive1575
voluble1575
changeling1577
queasy1579
desultory1581
huff-puff1582
unstaid1586
vagrant1586
changeful1590
floating1594
Protean1594
unstayed1594
swimming1596
anchorless1597
mobilec1600
ticklish1601
catching1603
labile1603
unrooted1604
quicksilvered1605
versatile1605
insubstantial1607
uncertain1609
brandling1611
rootless1611
squeasy1611
wind-changinga1616
insolid1618
ambulatory1625
versatilous1629
plastic1633
desultorious1637
unbottomed1641
fluid1642
fluent1648
yea-and-nay1648
versipellous1650
flexile1651
uncentred1652
variating1653
chequered1656
slideable1662
transchangeative1662
weathercock-like1663
flicketing1674
fluxa1677
lapsable1678
wanton1681
veering1684
upon the weathercock1702
contingent1703
unsettled?1726
fermentable1731
afloat1757
brickle1768
wavy1795
vagarious1798
unsettled1803
fitful1810
metamorphosical1811
undulating1815
tittupya1817
titubant1817
mutative1818
papier mâché1818
teetotum1819
vacillating1822
capricious1823
sensitive1828
quicksilvery1829
unengrafted1829
fluxionala1834
proteiform1833
liquid1835
tottlish1835
kaleidoscopic1846
versative1846
kaleidoscopical1858
tottery1861
choppy1865
variative1874
variational1879
wimbly-wambly1881
fluctuable1882
shifty1882
giveable1884
shifty1884
tippy1886
mutatory1890
upsettable1890
rocky1897
undulatory1897
streaky1898
tottly1905
tipply1906
up and down1907
inertialess1927
sometimey1946
rise-and-fall1950
switchable1961
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxlvii. sig. I3v My loue is as a feauer..Feeding on that which doth preserue the ill, Th' vncertaine sicklie appetite to please.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) i. iii. 85 How this spring of loue resembleth The vncertaine glory of an Aprill day. View more context for this quotation
1694 J. Smith Horol. Disquis. 87 To make the more certain Guess at what Weather will after ensue, especially if the Glass be at Changeable and Uncertain.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. i. xiii. 6 On my cheek th' uncertain color dies.
1753 J. Collier Ess. Art of Tormenting i. i When the weather is quite uncertain.
a1771 T. Gray tr. T. Tasso in Wks. (1814) II. 91 As when athwart the dusky woods by night The uncertain crescent gleams a sickly light.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. iv. 87 The moon gave a faint and uncertain light, for heavy vapours surrounded it.
1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel Introd. 8 Amid the strings his fingers strayed, And an uncertain warbling made.
1828 J. E. Smith Eng. Flora (ed. 2) II. 109 It may be observed that our uncertain summer is established by the time the Elder is in full flower.
1866 W. D. Howells Venetian Life ii I could see by that uncertain glimmer how fair was all, but not how sad and old.
b. Of persons: Variable, fickle, changeable, capricious.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > inconstancy > [adjective]
unfastc888
unstathelfasteOE
unsteadfasta1200
fleeting?c1225
changeablea1275
ficklea1275
unstablec1290
waveringc1315
flickerc1325
loose in the haftc1325
motleyc1380
unsadc1384
variablea1387
variantc1386
ticklec1400
inconstant1402
flitting1413
brittle1420
plianta1425
mutablec1425
shittle1440
shittle-witted1448
moonishc1450
unconstant1483
unfirm1483
varying?a1500
pliablea1513
fluctuant1575
changeling1577
shittle-headed1580
cheverel1583
off and on1583
chameleon-like1589
changeful1590
limber1602
unsteady1604
ticklish1606
skittish1609
startling1619
labile1623
uncertaina1625
cheverelized1625
remuant1625
fluctuate1631
fluctuary1632
various1636
contrarious1643
epileptical1646
fluxilea1654
shittle-braineda1655
multivolent1656
totter-headed1662
on and off1668
self-inconsistent1678
weathercocka1680
whifflinga1680
versatile1682
veering1684
fast and loose1697
inconsistent1709
insteadfast1728
unfixing1810
unsteadied1814
chameleonic1821
labefact1874
ballastless1884
weathercocky1886
whiffle-minded1902
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Four Plays in One in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Eeeeeeee4v/1 Uncertain as the sea, Sir, proud and deceitfull as his sins Great Master.
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Double Marriage i. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ccccc4/2 Thou art constant; I am uncertain foole, a most blinde foole.
1664 J. Wilson Andronicus Comnenius v. viii The uncertain people, Constant to nothing but inconstancy.
a1721 M. Prior Ess. Opinion in Dialogues of Dead (1907) 195 If You trace this Man thro life..You will find him always uncertain.
1808 W. Scott Marmion vi. xxxi. 362 O, woman! in our hours of ease, Uncertain, coy, and hard to please.
6.
a. Of persons: Not fully confident or assured of something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [adjective]
orrathc1175
unsicker?c1225
doubtousc1374
doubtive1393
unsurec1412
uncertained1470
doubtful1509
unassured1528
scriple?a1534
unpersuadeda1535
uncertainc1540
scrupulous1559
unsatisfied1575
unresolved1587
incertaina1616
dubious1632
scrupling1641
hesitant1647
insecure1649
hesitatious1657
uncleara1658
groping1691
doubting1715
dubitative1728
gingerish1764
vague1806
duberous1818
dubitant1821
undecided1828
inconclusive1836
foreheadless1844
titubant1880
convictionless1882
swithering1917
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 2050 Now Priam..[was] Uncertain of his Sister for seyng hir euer.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark xiii. 83 b These seruauntes, because they be vncertayne of theyr Lordes returnyng home, do styl endeuoyre them selues to do theyr office & duety.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. i. 61 He..in the very heat And pride of their contention, did take horse Vncertaine of the issue any way. View more context for this quotation
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 579 He..being infected with the plague,..was landed about Portsmouth, and being vncertaine of any house, died vnder a hedge.
1670 J. Milton Hist. Brit. iii. 110 Thir [sc. the Saxons'] multitude wander'd yet uncertain of habitation.
1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity iii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 484 What is a King?.. To blind Events, and fickle Chance a Slave: Seeking to settle what for ever flies; Sure of the Toil, uncertain of the Prize.
b. Const. how, what, whether, etc.: Having no clear knowledge; in a state of doubt.
ΚΠ
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Bviiv Whan he is vncertayn, whether he shall be iudged for euermore, to ioy or to peyne.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccccxliiii And the people be lefte in this doutfull state of thinges, to be vncertaine howe pacientlye all menne woulde take it.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxii. 148 S. Augustine was not himselfe vncertaine what to thinke.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 267 Uncertain yet to find What place the Gods for our Repose assign'd.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. ix. 295 She advanced, terrified and uncertain what to do.
1796 F. Burney Camilla III. vi. xiii. 409 Camilla was still more agitated; for though uncertain if she were right or wrong in the appeal she meant to make [etc.].
1853 W. M. Thackeray Eng. Humourists vi. 284 He is always looking in my face, watching his effect, uncertain whether I think him an impostor or not.
1865 J. W. Carlyle Lett. (1883) III. 253 I am uncertain how long he will be away.
c. Undecided; not directed to a definite end.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > [adjective]
twiredec888
orrathc1175
twofoldc1175
twifoldc1200
waveringc1315
uncertain1382
suspensec1440
mammeringa1450
flowing?1504
floghtering1521
vacillant1521
in a mammering1532
double-minded1552
unstaid1561
unresolute1570
unresolved?1571
staggeringa1577
frittle1579
irresolute1579
cheverel1583
off and on1583
halting1585
unsettleda1593
unresolving1599
demurring1607
waving1611
suspensive1614
hoveringa1616
startling1619
irresolved1621
hesitating1622
indetermined1628
variousa1643
branling1645
hesitant1647
non-sincere1656
hesitatious1657
humdrum1660
shuttlecock1660
yea-and-nay1672
swaying1688
interpendent1708
undetermined1718
Squadronec1720
hesitatorya1734
volanta1734
shilly-shally1734
dilly-dally1749
niffy-naffy1765
wiggle-waggle1778
undecided1779
undecisive1780
indecisive1787
conflicted1789
hesitative1795
undeciding1802
vacillating1814
yea-nay1827
demurrant1836
willy-nilly1839
shilly-shallying1842
oscillative1852
Hamletish1854
vacillatory1854
dilly-dallying1879
thistledown1897
weak-principled1913
not-quite1920
off-again on-again1923
dithery1931
havering1975
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Sam. xxiii. 13 Dauid..and his men..hidir and thider weren vagaunt vncerteyn [L. incerti].
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. vi. 16 The People will remaine vncertaine, whil'st 'Twixt you there's difference. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 420 Ascanius young, and eager of his Game, Soon bent his Bow, uncertain in his Aim.
1808 W. Scott Marmion iii. xx. 152 The king Lord Gifford's castle sought, Deep-labouring with uncertain thought.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. xiii. 321 That anxious and uncertain gaze, which indicated a doubt whether her brain was settled.
1855 Poultry Chron. 3 428/1 In their droning flight they move very irregularly, darting hither and thither, with an uncertain aim.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [adverb] > randomly or haphazardly
into uncertain1382
uncertainlya1387
at adventure (also adventures)c1390
at or on six and sevena1398
auntersa1450
at all adventure (also adventures)1485
by hab or by nab1530
at rovers (rarely rover)c1531
hab or nab1542
hitty-missy1553
rovingly1583
haphazard1600
random1619
unsight, unseena1627
happy-be-lucky1633
cross and pile1648
temerariously1669
happy-go-lucky1672
à tort et à travers1749
randomly1765
chance-medley1822
haphazardly1832
willy-nilly1908
by guess and by God (or Godfrey)1931
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Kings xxii. 34 A maner man bente a boowe, into vncerteyn [L. in incertum].
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 2 Chron. xviii. 33 Oon of the puple in to vncerteyn kast an arowe.
8. quasi-adv. In an uncertain manner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [adverb]
doubtouslyc1350
incertainly1530
doubtinglya1535
unsurely1595
falteringly1611
uncertainly1613
dubitatively1615
with a grain of salt1647
doubtily1654
hesitantly1660
unsatisfiedly1661
doubtfully1664
Pyrrhonically1710
uncertaina1718
dubitatingly1827
undecidedly1856
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > unreliability > [adverb]
sliddera1400
slipperlyc1412
untrustlyc1440
precariously1646
ambiguously1706
uncertain1785
unreliably1857
treacherously1860
unsafely1870
a1718 M. Prior Cloe Hunting 4 She lost her Way, And thro' the Woods uncertain chanc'd to stray.
1785 W. Cowper Task i. 358 The constant flail, That seems to swing uncertain, and yet falls Full on the destin'd ear.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† uncertainv.
Obsolete. rare.
transitive. To render uncertain.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > changeableness > render changeable or unstable [verb (transitive)]
unbottom1598
uncertain1614
destabilize1934
undercut1955
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)] > cause doubt
branglea1600
forgive1600
stumble1607
uncertain1614
uncredit1615
disconceita1639
scruple1638
startle1643
stagger1646
unfix1650
inscruple1663
unhinge1719
unconvince1815
unsettle1833
to keep (a person) guessing1896
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. i. i. §11. 14 It being manifest, that the diuersity of seasons, the Winters, and Sommers, more hot and cold, are not so vncertained by the Sunne and Moone alone.
a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) i. xiii. §4. 145 It might greatly vncertaine the mindes of the people about it.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
<
adj.a1300
v.1614