uncertain outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'uncertain outcome' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a situation in which the result or outcome is not certain or known, such as a piece of litigation where the result is not yet known. For example, "The jury's verdict regarding the lawsuit has yet to be decided, making the outcome uncertain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One definition of an adventure is an uncertain outcome.

The New Yorker

That readiness exists in this close election of uncertain outcome.

The New York Times

The only colonoscopy with an uncertain outcome is the first.

The New York Times - Health

This signal event, of still uncertain outcome, is long overdue.

The New York Times

Climate change predictions are usually communicated using a standard uncertain outcome format.

The Guardian

In a Tour that enthralled spectators with its uncertain outcome, LeMond ended up winning.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's not afraid to battle for something, even with an uncertain outcome," he said.

The New York Times

She now faces not a canter but a long and very hard slog, of uncertain outcome.

Independent

For traders, that means their money is tied up for a long period, with an uncertain outcome.

The New York Times

The president is trying to write the history of the Iraq war as a success despite its uncertain outcome.

The New York Times

For many years, women and girls who told the police they had been raped faced an uncertain outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "uncertain outcome" when analyzing complex systems or phenomena where precise predictions are challenging due to numerous interacting factors.

Common error

Avoid presenting situations with an "uncertain outcome" as guaranteed or predictable. This can lead to misinterpretations and unrealistic expectations. Acknowledge the potential for varied results to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain outcome" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a situation or event where the final result is not definitively known or predictable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertain outcome" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates the unpredictability of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, acknowledge that various factors could influence the result. Alternatives like "unpredictable result" or "doubtful result" offer similar meanings but may carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictable result

Focuses on the result being hard to foresee.

doubtful result

Implies skepticism about a positive result.

ambiguous result

Suggests the result is unclear and open to multiple interpretations.

unforeseen consequence

Highlights the unexpected nature of the result.

indeterminate consequence

Highlights the result being impossible to determine or predict.

unclear end

Focuses on the lack of clarity regarding the conclusion of a process or event.

tenuous prospects

Suggests the chances of success are weak and uncertain.

risky venture

Emphasizes the inherent risk and unpredictability of an undertaking.

speculative endeavor

Highlights the exploratory and uncertain nature of the activity.

iffy prospects

Informal way to describe uncertain and doubtful chances of success.

FAQs

How can I use "uncertain outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "uncertain outcome" to describe situations where the result is not yet known or predictable. For example, "The experiment's results are still pending, leading to an "uncertain outcome"".

What phrases can I use instead of "uncertain outcome"?

Alternatives to "uncertain outcome" include "unpredictable result", "doubtful result", or "ambiguous result", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "uncertain outcome" or "unknown outcome"?

"Uncertain outcome" and "unknown outcome" are similar, but "uncertain outcome" implies a degree of unpredictability or variability, while "unknown outcome" simply means the result is not yet known. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some common situations that lead to an "uncertain outcome"?

Situations leading to an "uncertain outcome" can include medical treatments, political elections, business ventures, or scientific experiments where the result is not guaranteed due to various influencing factors.