uncertainty

[ uhn-sur-tn-tee ]

noun

, plural un·cer·tain·ties

1. the state of being uncertain; doubt; hesitancy:

   His uncertainty gave impetus to his inquiry.

   Synonyms: ambivalence, indecision, irresolution, hesitation

2. an instance of uncertainty, doubt, etc.
3. unpredictability; indeterminacy; indefiniteness.

uncertainty

/ ʌnˈsɜːtəntɪ /

noun

1. Also calleduncertainness the state or condition of being uncertain
2. an uncertain matter, contingency, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncertainty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- ¹ + certainty

Example Sentences

The Newsom administration agreed with the main tenets of the preliminary fiscal report and said the state should “expect even more uncertainty than usual.”

From Los Angeles Times

While there is so much uncertainty around the case itself, Guardiola has guaranteed one thing.

From BBC

After two weeks of postelection uncertainty, Proposition 32, the initiative to increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour, was defeated by a narrow margin.

From Los Angeles Times

The improvement can be up to 5%, which is significant for metrics that measure uncertainty in predicting word sequences.

From Science Daily

The uncertainty over Guardiola’s future has been cited by some as a reason for the team's poor form.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambiguity
• ambivalence
• anxiety
• concern
• confusion
• distrust
• mistrust
• skepticism
• suspicion
• trouble
• uneasiness
• unpredictability
• worry