unbelief

American  

[uhn-bi-leef] / ˌʌn bɪˈlif /

noun

1. the state or quality of not believing; incredulity or skepticism, especially in matters of doctrine or religious faith.

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unbelief British  

/ ˌʌnbɪˈliːf /

noun

1. disbelief or rejection of belief

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Etymology

Origin of unbelief

1125–75; Middle English unbelefe; see un- ¹, belief

Explanation

You can use the noun unbelief to talk about a lack of belief in something, like your unbelief, since childhood, in fairies. When someone doesn't believe in something, that person has an unbelief. Most often, the term unbelief is used to talk specifically about religion. An atheist is characterized by her unbelief in a god or higher power beyond things that can be scientifically proven. Another word for unbelief is disbelief.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unbelief

The cultural chasm between Europeans and Africans presented obstacles to conversion, and a long legacy of church practice forbidding the enslavement of fellow Christians provided grounds to leave slaves in unbelief.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

“We emptied into the hallway, stricken, eyes clouded with unbelief, horror and grief. … Our worst fears were realized,” Grant wrote.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 29, 2023

“Our job is to provide an alternative to show that a life of unbelief can be, and usually is, fulfilling and productive,” she told the students.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2021

For some, this struggle just leads back to unbelief.

From New York Times ● Aug. 14, 2021

Enthusiasm, in Sprat’s view, by making false claims of divine intervention in the world, simply offered hostages to unbelief.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton