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

Even before the tariffs announcement on Wednesday, the stock market and consumer confidence have dipped over the uncertainty. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2025

As of Thursday at 3 pm Eastern, RH stock had fallen nearly 40%, rattled by the uncertainty of Trump’s tariffs and last year’s poor performance. —Julie Goldenberg, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Before the new tariffs were announced, the uncertainty around what Trump’s plan would entail already weighed on US consumer confidence, which fell in March to its lowest level since the pandemic. —Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025

The Texas worker, who asked not to be named over concern about the uncertainty of the situation, told CBS News the full premium for continuation of health coverage was $1,300 each month for a single person, along with a 2% administrative fee and additional out-of-pocket costs. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 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