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
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.
Market moves in response to the Middle East conflict have been orderly, but reflected complacency amidst increased uncertainty about the economic outlook, the bank said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
While immediate uncertainty surrounding O'Neill's Northern Ireland future was brought to an end with a statement earlier in May, a contract extension is official confirmation of a renewed commitment in the longer term.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
For Mexico, the trade deal uncertainty could delay the money companies are willing to invest to move supply chains away from China—a trend Mexico is expected to benefit from.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
They did so because Amazon saved them time, money, effort or uncertainty.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle applies to more than just measurements performed by humans.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
