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 of uncertainty

• 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

The proposal, which was entered into review on June 13, prompted the Chamber of Mines, DR Congo’s main mining industry body, to convene an emergency meeting in Kinshasa last week over concerns the overhaul could deepen regulatory uncertainty. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 20 July 2026

Many families face significant barriers to obtaining testing, including long waitlists, limited access to genetics specialists, insurance denials and uncertainty about which tests to order and when. — Eliza Goldwasser, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

On a fundamental level, AI's probabilistic reasoning introduces uncertainties. — Chris Dimitriadis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

There was uncertainty over his future last summer, but Atletico Madrid eventually called off their pursuit. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026

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