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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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:
There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Dutch striker Emegha, despite having only recently joined Chelsea from Strasbourg, a club within the same ownership group.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
New York-based Haitian American artist Lyne Lucien said "one of the hardest parts of this decision is the uncertainty it creates."
From Barron's ● 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
A permanent position would reassure markets of policy continuity, while a temporary role could prolong uncertainty and leave the burden of maintaining stability to her eventual successor, they said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
As frightening as the sights and sounds around Isaac must have been, perhaps even more terrifying for his parents was the uncertainty.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
Major employers largely held back on adding people due to economic uncertainties or a belief that artificial intelligence could shoulder more tasks on the job.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
But there are still uncertainties with this approach, said Max Warner from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Fundamentally, Iran, interest rates, oil and other uncertainties are upsetting market equilibrium.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 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
He shouldn’t have; almost every night he heard his parents talking of Eb and of what uncertainties they would face if he were really a deserter and if he should suddenly appear.
From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt
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.
