uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being uncertain : doubt

2

: something that is uncertain

Synonyms of uncertainty

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion

Choose the Right Synonym for uncertainty

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something.

uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of uncertainty in a Sentence

There is some uncertainty about the company's future.

He accepted the position without hesitation or uncertainty.

Recent Examples on the Web

The company is trying to protect its traditional business while investing through uncertainty—in EVs, autonomy, software, AI, manufacturing, and defense. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

For all the uncertainty surrounding the future employment of the University of North Carolina’s football staff, the paperwork governing their departures is already in order. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

With data always containing some uncertainty, the rules an AI model learns are only approximated. — Chanh Kieu, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

The generally solid job market has helped consumers spend, although many economists remain surprised by how well shoppers have weathered a series of shocks, including higher gas prices, inflation, political uncertainty and growing fears about AI. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing uncertainty

• Heisenberg uncertainty principle
• uncertainty principle

Rhymes for uncertainty

• certainty

Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē 

1

: lack of certainty

2

: something that is uncertain