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incredulity

American  
[in-kri-doo-li-tee, -dyoo-] / ˌɪn krɪˈdu lɪ ti, -ˈdyu- /

noun

  1. the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.

    Synonyms:
    doubt, skepticism, disbelief
    Antonyms:
    faith
incredulity British  
/ ˌɪnkrɪˈdjuːlɪtɪ /

noun

  1. lack of belief; scepticism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of incredulity

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incredulite, from Latin incrēdulitās; incredulous, -ity

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.

In a further appearance in front of MPs the same year, Brittin was met with incredulity when he told them he didn't know how much he got paid.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Marina de Cudeyo mayor Pedro Perez said there was "indignation, incredulity and sadness" after the apparent robbery of the statue.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Others in the industry privately voice incredulity at what has become a whirlwind of announcements from Rheinmetall on new contracts, joint ventures and other deals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

"I can't believe you've said that," he laughs with mock incredulity.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

When I first announced the results of my calculations at a conference at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory near Oxford, I was greeted with general incredulity.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

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.