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.
Although December’s directive capped off months of uncertainty after Trump earlier in 2025 suggested he was weighing the pros and cons of a policy change, the development didn’t serve as ammunition to the stocks.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
German travel operator TUI TUI1 -2.47%decrease; red down pointing triangle cut its guidance for a key earnings metric due to uncertainty over how long the conflict in the Middle East will last.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
But there is still opportunity amid the uncertainty.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
Despite the continued academic focus on low risk-adjusted returns and the incentive problems associated with active management, the value of skilled managers during times of high uncertainty should not be overlooked.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
As it turned out, the uncertainty itself was the worst suffering we had to undergo.
From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien
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.
