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 airport’s incredible economic impact is why there’s often a feeling of high stakes in any period of uncertainty, said Bryan Holladay, public policy chair for the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce. — Dj Simmons july 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026

Nostalgia is the primary driver, according to CivicScience surveys — not novelty, but reconnection with childhood franchises, the exact psychological pattern researchers describe as intensifying with age and economic uncertainty. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026

But the initial uncertainty with Abel is enough, for now, to knock the Twins grade down a notch or two. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 27 July 2026

The tension in the market reflects uncertainty ahead of a big week for stocks with earnings results from Amazon, Meta Platforms and Microsoft in the calendar. — Joseph Wilkins,justina Lee,sarah Min, CNBC, 27 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