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

As last week demonstrated, this is a recipe for confusion, uncertainty, and higher borrowing costs. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

As tensions between semiconductors’ short-term upside and longer-term uncertainty loom over investors’ portfolios, Deutsche Bank analysts said software may emerge as a relative winner and help offset volatility from chip holdings. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

In practice, this should mean reducing fragmentation and legal uncertainty so materials can move more easily across borders, and making EPR compliance simpler and more consistent. — María Luisa Martínez Díez, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

The continent of Oon is entering a new age of uncertainty and change, where characters’ relationships can reshape the continent on a grand scale. — Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 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