uncertainty

noun

un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
Synonyms of uncertaintynext
1
: the quality or state of being uncertain : doubt
2
: something that is uncertain

Synonyms of uncertainty

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That album arrived at a moment of uncertainty for the Jayhawks, following the 1995 exit of Mark Olson, Louris’ partner and co-founder in the band. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026 Those upgrades, though, come with a big price tag, and will carry the area into a future that is still rife with uncertainty. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Another source of uncertainty that's weighed on French bonds is the 2027 presidential election, where far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is currently the frontrunner to succeed Emmanuel Macron. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Everything in the country breathes; nature and even furnishings are alive, vivid under the stress of uncertainty. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncertainty was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing uncertainty

Rhymes for uncertainty

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Browse Nearby Words

uncertain
uncertainty
uncertainty principle
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Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertainty. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun
un·​cer·​tain·​ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
1
: lack of certainty
2
: something that is uncertain
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