uncertainty

[uhn-sur-tn-tee]

noun

plural

uncertainties 

1. the state of being uncertain; doubt; hesitancy.

   His uncertainty gave impetus to his inquiry.

   Synonyms: ambivalence, indecision, irresolution, hesitation

2. an instance of uncertainty, doubt, etc.

3. unpredictability; indeterminacy; indefiniteness.

uncertainty

/ ʌnˈsɜːtəntɪ /

noun

1. Also called: uncertainness. the state or condition of being uncertain

2. an uncertain matter, contingency, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncertainty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- ¹ + certainty

Example Sentences

By leveraging the threat of costly and unpredictable litigation, dominant firms burden their competitors financially and create uncertainty that undermines customer confidence in those rivals—ultimately steering business and market share toward themselves.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Consumers are pulling back on spending in response to economic uncertainty and rising prices, said Rebecca Lohrey, a partner at Deloitte with expertise in retail and e-commerce.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

What results is a fragrant potpourri of verse fragments and computer-generated texts—which, to my knowledge, Mr. Ismailov has written himself, though uncertainty is part of the game.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Equally, after the midterms, the uncertainty has been resolved and markets can re-focus on fundamentals, with a clearer view on the policy agenda,” he adds.

Read more on MarketWatch

Bitcoin and other crypto assets are once again demonstrating that they are among some of the first assets to decline among broader economic uncertainty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambiguity 
• ambivalence 
• anxiety 
• concern 
• confusion 
• distrust 
• mistrust 
• skepticism 
• suspicion 
• trouble 
• uneasiness www.thesaurus.com
• unpredictability www.thesaurus.com
• worry