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

• doubt
• 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

Where uncertainty is the only certainty, clinging to perfection and fearing mistakes damages credibility. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

The dollar, already weakened by tariffs and policy uncertainty, fell to a three-year low on the row, the Financial Times reported. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 26 June 2025

As companies pull back on hiring amid tariff uncertainty and the corporate dream that AI will become a significant part of workflows, HR leaders are increasingly looking to promote leadership talent from within their own ranks. —Brit Morse, Fortune, 26 June 2025

While uncertainty around the impact of the levies remains, analysts say investor concern has faded as trade negotiations have entered a quieter phase after the Trump administration struck a deal with China earlier this month. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 June 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