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

This year, Muslims have been pouring into Saudi Arabia for the Hajj against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related uncertainty in the region. —Baraa Anwer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

Training should emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and contextual awareness that prepares individuals for uncertainty. —Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Finally, after a week of uncertainty, all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted over the weekend, allowing people to return to their homes. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 26 May 2026

The uncertainty makes the theft of the camera footage and archive one of the most intractable and damaging mysteries of the post-regime period. —Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 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