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.
As finance and applied investments professors who study how businesses make decisions amid uncertainty, we have been watching this tension build.
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
In interim results last month, EasyJet reported that bookings for summer flights had been lower than the same point last year because of uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
A look at options action shows some investors are already starting to hedge for the possibility of increased uncertainty as June progresses.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026
The market is once again factoring in heightened military tensions and growing uncertainty surrounding efforts to secure a deal, though gains have remained relatively contained.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Moss could see the uncertainty in the other boy’s body, and Moss jerked his head, gesturing to Javier to join them.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
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.
