How to pronounce uncertain
Say it like un-SUR-tun. Uncertain has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce uncertain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- SUR
- tun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Uncertain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of uncertain
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: un-SUR-tun.
What does uncertain mean?
- lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance“uncertain of his convictions”“unsure of himself and his future”
- not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown“an uncertain future”“a manuscript of uncertain origin”
- not established or confirmed“his doom is as yet unsealed”
Where does uncertain come from?
From Middle English uncerteyn.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with uncertain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of uncertain.
Questions about saying uncertain
How do you pronounce uncertain?
Say un-SUR-tun. The American pronunciation is /ənˈsɝtən/. In British English it is /ʌnˈsɜːtən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in uncertain?
Uncertain has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: un · SUR · tun.
Is uncertain pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌnˈsɜːtən/ (un-SUR-tun).