uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being uncertain : doubt

2

: something that is uncertain

Synonyms

• distrust
• distrustfulness
• doubt
• dubiety
• dubitation [archaic]
• incertitude
• misdoubt
• misgiving
• mistrust
• mistrustfulness
• query
• reservation
• skepticism
• suspicion

Choose the Right Synonym for uncertainty

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something.

uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of uncertainty in a Sentence

There is some uncertainty about the company's future.

He accepted the position without hesitation or uncertainty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Without sufficient adaptation finance, businesses will face higher costs, more frequent disruptions, and greater uncertainty. —María Mendiluce, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

In the face of such uncertainty, the Biltmore and its owners (Vanderbilt’s descendants) have also launched a $2 million Biltmore Relief Fund for Western North Carolina. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

In 2024, our guess is that political experience is worth about 0.3 points of vote margin, though there is uncertainty around that estimate (more on uncertainty later). —G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2024

Trump is casting her policies as radical and too far left, and some economists worry that the implementation of her proposals could lead to labor market disruptions and uncertainty for businesses. —Nik Popli, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing uncertainty

• Heisenberg uncertainty principle
• uncertainty principle

Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē 

1

: lack of certainty

2

: something that is uncertain