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

• 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

Ronson vividly depicts the clubs, record shops, and venues that shaped a cultural scene without equal, as well as the struggles and uncertainties that came with building his career in music. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025

While traditional methods are based on physical equations, AI models learn patterns from large datasets, which can help quantify uncertainty, assist in identifying extreme events, and allow models to improve over time. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

Everyone in education feels an urgency to resolve the uncertainty around generative AI. —Justin Reich, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

The Supreme Court's ruling opened the door to Trump's order taking effect in parts of the country, fueling uncertainty for immigrants and states grappling with the implications of a potentially patchwork system of citizenship rules. —Nate Raymond, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

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