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

Meteorologists did their job but the alarm got carried away, highlighting the need for better communication of uncertainty. —Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2026

The start of the fifth season brings a mixture of excitement and uncertainty to Angel City FC, with this being the first full season under Straus, who officially took over last June. —Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

While being confronted with disruptive technological change and economic uncertainty, business leaders also face impatient shareholders and corporate directors demanding immediate results. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

But no official starting date has been set, and the airline and both governments must complete several more steps before the first planes can take off, according to aviation experts, amid uncertainty and a dynamic political situation. —Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 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