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 Given the uncertainty, manufacturers have to use very specific language for the claims. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024 Despite uncertainty over how long the blooms will last, Borrego Springs has prepared for large crowds of people vying for a chance to see the flowers, many of which have already started to arrive. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 Given the uncertainties, the RegLab researchers believe authorities should use detections to prioritize cases worthy of human investigation, not function as a judge and jury. Bennet Goldstein, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Amid the uncertainties, there may be some winners from the law: hotels in the city and the state of New Jersey. Amanda Hoover, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2024 The resolution of the case on Monday, a day before Super Tuesday contests in 16 states, would remove uncertainty about whether votes for Trump will ultimately count. Mark Sherman, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, leading to legal uncertainty for IVF doctors and clinics around how embryos can be handled. Meg Tirrell, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Who else could deftly handle Freddie Freeman crying, Mookie Betts changing positions and Kershaw’s constant injury uncertainties? Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, the team has a lot of uncertainty in their starting rotation beyond Logan Webb. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncertainty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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