Synonyms for

Uncertainty

Verb / ʌˈnsɜ:tʌnti: / Another word for uncertainty — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The state of being uncertain; doubt; hesitancy.

Synonyms & similar words

doubt doubtfulness precariousness dubiousness incertitude certainty dubiety uncertainness doubt ambiguity insecurity indecision indefiniteness unpredictability unreliability vagueness dubiousness incertitude inconclusiveness indeterminacy instability irresolution oscillation perplexity skepticism unsteadiness vacillation wavering

Synonyms by register

Formal

ambiguity doubtfulness indecision apprehension

Informal

hesitation shakiness iffy not sure

Literary

enigma conundrum bewilderment

Antonyms

certainty assurance confidence security conviction positivity clarity

Common collocations

  • great uncertainty
  • considerable uncertainty
  • degree of uncertainty
  • sense of uncertainty
  • facing uncertainty
  • period of uncertainty
  • economic uncertainty
  • political uncertainty

Word family

noun uncertainty
verb uncertain
adjective uncertain
adverb uncertainly

Usage note

Uncertainty refers to a state of doubt or lack of knowledge about future events or outcomes. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the intensity of the feeling it conveys can vary.

Example sentences

  1. The uncertainty of the situation made him nervous.
  2. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the election.
  3. The stock market is experiencing a lot of uncertainty right now.
  4. The uncertainty of the future is always a little scary.
  5. Uncertainty can be a good thing if it leads to new discoveries.

Quotes

  • Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.
  • In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope.
  • Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.

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