uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being uncertain : doubt
2
: something that is uncertain
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With economic uncertainties looming, marketers must embrace a mindset of doing more with less. Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 The Tipperary, Ireland, native wants to make the most of this historic run that coincides with an ongoing wave of economic uncertainty. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 21 May 2025 Economists and real estate agents say a variety of factors are putting a lid on home prices, including high mortgage rates, rising inventory levels and economic uncertainty stemming from tariffs. Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025 Diorio said the increase was necessary to balance the budget amid federal cuts and economic uncertainty. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncertainty was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertainty. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun
un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
1
: lack of certainty
2
: something that is uncertain

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertainty

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