Uncertainly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn/ un·cer·tain

Meaning & Definition of Uncertainly

Uncertainly (adjective)

  1. not known beyond doubt, dubious
  2. not having certain knowledge, doubtful
  3. not clearly identified or defined

Uncertainly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in ineffectually, ineffectively

    similar: impotently, ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly, lazily, listlessly, spiritlessly, delicately, faintly, frailly, shakily, feebly, gently, softly, weakly
    opposite: dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard, mightily, muscularly, powerfully, roundly, stiffly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, sturdily, vigorously, fiercely, hammer and tongs, robustly, roughshod, sharply, vehemently, violently, actively, animatedly, briskly, crisply, eagerly, gamely, heartily, lustily, snappily, spiritedly, spunkily, vivaciously

Related Entry: Uncertain (adjective)

Uncertain is a different word from Uncertainly. The synonyms below are for uncertain, not for uncertainly.

  1. likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly

    "the stifling heat would occasionally be relieved by an uncertain breeze"

    similar: capricious, changeable, changeful, fickle, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, skittish, temperamental, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile, up in the air
    related: aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, hit-or-miss, irregular, random, scattered, slapdash, stray, ambivalent, hesitating, shaky, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillating, wavering, dicey, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy, adaptable, mobile, protean, versatile
    opposite: certain, changeless, constant, immutable, invariable, predictable, settled, stable, stationary, steady, unchangeable, unchanging, unvarying
    near: equable, even, uniform, abiding, durable, lasting, permanent, persistent, dependable, reliable, sure, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty

  2. not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something

    "never uncertain of her political beliefs or judgment, she was a decisive and fearless leader"

    similar: distrustful, doubtful, dubious, hinky (slang), mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, trustless, unconvinced, undecided, unsettled, unsure, on the fence
    related: ambivalent, conflicted, equivocal, diffident, insecure, halting, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, vacillating, wavering
    opposite: certain, convinced, positive, sure
    near: assured, confident, sanguine, self-assured, decisive, determined, resolute

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Uncertainly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Uncertainly:

impotently, ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly, lazily, listlessly, spiritlessly, delicately, faintly, frailly, shakily, feebly, gently, softly, weakly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Uncertainly

Words with the opposite meaning of Uncertainly:

dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard, mightily, muscularly, powerfully, roundly, stiffly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, sturdily, vigorously, fiercely, hammer and tongs, robustly, roughshod, sharply, vehemently, violently, actively, animatedly, briskly, crisply, eagerly, gamely

Word Forms of Uncertainly

Derived words: uncertainly (adverb), uncertainness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Uncertainly

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Uncertainly

What does "Uncertainly" mean?

"Uncertainly" means not known beyond doubt, dubious. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: not known beyond doubt, dubious.

What is another word for "Uncertainly"?

Other words for "Uncertainly" include impotently, ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, bloodlessly and halfheartedly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Uncertainly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Uncertainly"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Uncertainly". Common alternatives include impotently, ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly and lazily.

What is the opposite of "Uncertainly"?

Antonyms of "Uncertainly" include dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard and mightily.

Is "Uncertainly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Uncertainly" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Uncertainly"?

"Uncertainly" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn/ and divided into syllables as un·cer·tain.

What is the origin of the word "Uncertainly"?

First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Uncertainly" meaning "as in ineffectually, ineffectively"?

When "Uncertainly" (adverb) means as in ineffectually, ineffectively, synonyms include impotently, ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly and spinelessly. Opposites in this sense include dynamically, energetically, explosively and firmly.