uncertainty
Americannoun
plural
uncertainties-
the state of being uncertain; doubt; hesitancy.
His uncertainty gave impetus to his inquiry.
- Synonyms:
- ambivalence, indecision, irresolution, hesitation
-
an instance of uncertainty, doubt, etc.
-
unpredictability; indeterminacy; indefiniteness.
noun
-
Also called: uncertainness. the state or condition of being uncertain
-
an uncertain matter, contingency, etc
Etymology
Origin of uncertainty
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- 1 + certainty
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.
Fears and uncertainty about the impact artificial intelligence will have on the U.S. economy, workforce, and stocks have caused markets to whipsaw and continue to confuse investors.
From Barron's
Strong economic fundamentals supported stock market performance throughout 2025 despite significant policy uncertainty.
From Los Angeles Times
However, although aluminum prices have been supported by stable alumina costs, the analyst notes that it could be partially held back by recent geopolitical uncertainties, which could weigh on demand.
Meanwhile, concerns around private credit quality and renewed trade uncertainty weighed on market confidence more broadly.
That uncertainty has seen a shift from "downstream" companies that run apps and software to "upstream" firms such as chipmakers, many of which are based in Asia.
From Barron's
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.
