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.
But as the team-based breakaway competition prepares for the start of its fifth season in the first week of February in Riyadh, uncertainty surrounds its future.
From BBC
This also confirms macro conditions where gold adds value, such as policy uncertainty, remain in place, he adds.
Relatively high mortgage rates and widespread economic uncertainty have discouraged people from buying in recent months.
Mr Bailey has also repeatedly warned about the continuing impact of US tariffs, and political uncertainty around the world.
From BBC
Ashlee Piper, author of “No New Things,” said economic uncertainty is a main driver as people pare back their spending.
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.