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

Trump's tariffs in particular have injected broad uncertainty into the economy, with some businesses already passing those additional costs to consumers, who have been rushing to buy big-ticket items in anticipation of higher prices, according to JPMorgan analysts. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025

Voters have been growing discontented with the president’s policies as his sweeping tariffs have fueled chaos and uncertainty in the volatile global economy. —Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025

The weather service said there is some uncertainty regarding when and where the storms might develop. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025

Connecticut veterans expressed fear and uncertainty this week about possible threats to health care access in the face of federal changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs. —Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing uncertainty

• Heisenberg uncertainty principle
• uncertainty principle

Rhymes for uncertainty

• certainty

Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē 

1

: lack of certainty

2

: something that is uncertain