uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being uncertain : doubt
2
: something that is uncertain
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Ukraine’s military struggles with battlefield setbacks and dwindling morale, the specter of a peace deal promised by President-elect Donald Trump has added another layer of uncertainty. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024 The uncertainty is a lot higher this time than for Trump’s first term in office, given the size of the tariff threat, the magnitude of the trade imbalance. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024 These figures highlight how many people are financially vulnerable to life’s uncertainties. Nia Bowers, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024 At Paramount, despite the uncertainty around Paramount+ with the looming Skydance takeover, the company is offering a discount, with both Paramount+ and Paramount+ with Showtime offering a $2.99 per month deal for six months. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for uncertainty 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncertainty was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near uncertainty

Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertainty. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun
un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
1
: lack of certainty
2
: something that is uncertain

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertainty

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