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

The uncertainty around his future had become an increasing distraction for the club, with negotiations lasting several weeks. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

What's Next The Syrian transitional government is still in its formative stages, leaving uncertainty about its implications for the country's future. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Tariff uncertainty under a second Trump administration has already shaken up markets this year. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025

However, even without any direct penalties, the uncertainty of a returning Trump administration that has constantly touted tougher-on-China rhetoric and threatened to levy new tariffs on Chinese goods could sway how businesses want to work with Cosco going ahead. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025

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