Definition

Adjective 1. Not yet decided or settled; uncertain: Used to describe a situation, plan, or outcome that is still undecided, unresolved, or subject to change. 2. In a state of suspense or doubt: Describes a condition where matters are unclear and a final decision has not been made.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Our vacation plans are still up in the air; we haven't booked the flights yet.
  • The future of the project is up in the air until we get approval from the board.
  • With the main witness unavailable, the trial date is left up in the air.

Advanced Usage

• "to be up in the air": This is the standard adjectival phrase. It is almost always used with a form of the verb "to be" (is, are, was, were, left, etc.).
  • The merger deal is up in the air after the latest financial report.
• "to leave something up in the air": To intentionally not resolve or decide something, leaving it uncertain.
  • The manager left the budget for next quarter up in the air.

Variants and Related Words

• Undecided (adj): Not having made a decision.
  • I'm still undecided about which university to attend.
• Unsettled (adj): Not resolved or concluded.
  • The dispute remains unsettled.
• Pending (adj): Awaiting decision or settlement.
  • The application is still pending.

Synonyms

• Uncertain
• Undetermined
• Unresolved
• In limbo
• In doubt

Related Phrases

• Up for grabs: Available for anyone to take or win; not yet claimed or decided.
  • The last promotion spot is still up for grabs.
• Up in the air vs. In the air: "In the air" can mean a feeling or idea is prevalent (e.g., ), but it does not mean "uncertain." Only "up in the air" has the specific meaning of being undecided.

Related Idioms

• Hang in the balance: To be in an undecided state; to have an uncertain outcome.
  • The fate of the endangered species hangs in the balance.
• Up for discussion/debate: A matter that is open to being talked about and is not yet decided.
  • Whether we expand the team is still up for discussion.

Adjective

1. not yet determined
   • plans are still up in the air
2. very uncertain
   • left everything up in the air