unbelief

American  

[uhn-bi-leef] / ˌʌn bɪˈlif /

noun

1. the state or quality of not believing; incredulity or skepticism, especially in matters of doctrine or religious faith.

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unbelief British  

/ ˌʌnbɪˈliːf /

noun

1. disbelief or rejection of belief

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Etymology

Origin of unbelief

1125–75; Middle English unbelefe; un- ¹, belief

Example Sentences

“We emptied into the hallway, stricken, eyes clouded with unbelief, horror and grief. … Our worst fears were realized,” Grant wrote.

From Washington Times • Mar. 29, 2023

Whatever world-changing power we might seek, whatever influence we might hope to wield, starts with the ancient prayer: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2021

“Our job is to provide an alternative to show that a life of unbelief can be, and usually is, fulfilling and productive,” she told the students.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2021

For all its vocal profession of unbelief, Gray finds this type to be nothing but “a hollowed-out version of the Christian belief in salvation in history.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 16, 2018

Enthusiasm, in Sprat’s view, by making false claims of divine intervention in the world, simply offered hostages to unbelief.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton