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incredulity

American  
[in-kri-doo-li-tee, -dyoo-] / ˌɪn krɪˈdu lɪ ti, -ˈdyu- /

noun

  1. the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.

    Synonyms:
    doubt, skepticism, disbelief
    Antonyms:
    faith
incredulity British  
/ ˌɪnkrɪˈdjuːlɪtɪ /

noun

  1. lack of belief; scepticism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of incredulity

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incredulite, from Latin incrēdulitās; incredulous, -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously voiced incredulity about Casemiro's £18.2m annual salary, and the 73-year-old has vowed to drive down costs.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Ryan Tsui, whose brother and niece died in the sinking, previously said he followed the case with "incredulity" as he said witnesses dodged responsibility.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Others in the industry privately voice incredulity at what has become a whirlwind of announcements from Rheinmetall on new contracts, joint ventures and other deals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

"I can't believe you've said that," he laughs with mock incredulity.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

“You do not trust the Great Santini?” he asked with fake incredulity.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.