Dictionary
uncertainty
noun un·cer·tain·ty \-tən-tē\
: the quality or state of being uncertain
: something that is doubtful or unknown : something that is uncertain
Full Definition of UNCERTAINTY
2
: something that is uncertain
See uncertainty defined for English-language learners
See uncertainty defined for kids
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First Known Use of UNCERTAINTY
14th century
Related to UNCERTAINTY
- Synonyms
- distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, query, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, doubt
- Antonyms
- assurance, belief, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, sureness, surety, trust
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
UNCERTAINTY Defined for Kids
uncertainty
noun un·cer·tain·ty \ˌən-ˈsər-tən-tē\
plural un·cer·tain·ties
Definition of UNCERTAINTY for Kids
1
: lack of certainty : doubt <Uncertainty made the days of waiting longer … — William H. Armstrong, Sounder>
2
: something that is doubtful or unknown <Life is full of uncertainties.>
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