uncertainty
Americannoun
plural
uncertainties-
the state of being uncertain; doubt; hesitancy.
His uncertainty gave impetus to his inquiry.
- Synonyms:
- ambivalence, indecision, irresolution, hesitation
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an instance of uncertainty, doubt, etc.
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unpredictability; indeterminacy; indefiniteness.
noun
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Also called: uncertainness. the state or condition of being uncertain
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an uncertain matter, contingency, etc
Etymology
Origin of uncertainty
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- 1 + certainty
Explanation
When you have uncertainty, that means you're not really sure. If you missed a lot of classes and didn't study much, you may have uncertainty about whether you passed your big math test. The noun uncertainty describes a state of doubt. You might view with uncertainty a claim that a $100 investment will return $500 by next month. Uncertainty can also involve being dependent on chance. Your uncle might have uncertainty that he'll have a job next year because his company might be closing one of its branch offices.
Vocabulary lists containing uncertainty
"A Job for Valentin" and "In the Heart of a Hero"
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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.
Fed officials tell us so in their speeches and in the economic projections they publish every three months, which reveal uncertainty about economic developments and a range of policy opinions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
The U.S. dollar index—a gauge measuring the dollar’s value against its key rivals—rose 2.41% in March, when uncertainty about the war was at its peak.
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
Manchester City overhauling Arsenal at the top of the Premier League has happened amid a backdrop of uncertainty over their legendary manager's future.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
The company also has to contend with delayed deal closures related to uncertainty from the Middle East conflict.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
You can never know both at the same time, and if you have some information about one, you must have some uncertainty about the other.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
