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

Related Words

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