What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undetermined
Example
The date for the meeting is still undetermined. [undetermined: adjective]
Example
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. [undetermined: past participle]
uncertain
Example
I am uncertain about my future plans. [uncertain: adjective]
Example
The weather forecast is uncertain for tomorrow. [uncertain: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncertain is more commonly used than undetermined in everyday language. Uncertain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undetermined is less common and typically used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undetermined and uncertain?
Undetermined is generally considered more formal than uncertain. It is often used in legal, scientific, or technical contexts where precision and accuracy are important, while uncertain is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
