uncertainty
Americannoun
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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
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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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un-
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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.
See Examples For:
Despite the sharp fall in crude, "there is still significant uncertainty baked into these prices and a reticence about whether negotiations will lead to a lasting breakthrough," she added.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
It found too much uncertainty in the AI segment, which requires massive capital spending with an unclear payoff.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Shein’s valuation has declined sharply since hitting $100 billion in 2022, as it wrangles with increasing competition from rivals such as Temu and persistent uncertainty from escalating trade restrictions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Several business leaders contacted were hesitant to speak on the record, citing vulnerability to retribution and a general climate of fear and uncertainty.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
The concept of uncertainty pertains to scientists’ ability to describe the properties of a particle.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
Fundamentally, Iran, interest rates, oil and other uncertainties are upsetting market equilibrium.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026
It expects Indonesia’s economy to grow 5.1% this year despite robust 5.6% growth in 1Q, due to continued external uncertainties and higher domestic interest rates.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
"Even soldiers who joined years ago are starting to have doubts and uncertainties about whether the revolution will still succeed," said the 23-year-old, asking to be identified by his callsign "Villain" for security reasons.
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
This in turn gives us an idea of the uncertainties and likelihood of any specific forecast temperature rather than relying on one particular outcome.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
He wanted to ask her what she thought of the things they never discussed—their relationship, a future, Susan—but his uncertainties muted him each time; he was afraid of what her answers would be.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
