What does "uncertainty" mean?
Doubt; the condition of being uncertain or without conviction.
Uncertainty
/ʌnˈsɝtənti/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Doubt; the condition of being uncertain or without conviction.
- Grammar: uncertainty is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: doubt, uncertainness, absences of evidence, accidentality.
- Useful contrasts: absolute certainty, academic decision, academic determination.
- Usage evidence: The evidence left no room for uncertainty.
How to use "uncertainty"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "uncertainty" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "uncertainty" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "uncertainty" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "uncertainty" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "uncertainty" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "doubt" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "uncertainty", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Doubt; the condition of being uncertain or without conviction. uncountable
"“Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity."
- 2 being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance wordnet
- 3 Something uncertain or ambiguous. countable
"Despite these uncertainties, Clarke told MPs he was convinced of the need to order trains powered by batteries. He said: "We're calling for a 'no regrets' order of battery trains because we see them always having a future. We see them being fundable, financeable, similar cost to diesel trains, and we know that however much electrification we would aspire to do, there's always going to be at least a third of the network that isn't electrified."
- 4 the state of being unsure of something wordnet
- 5 A parameter that measures the dispersion of a range of measured values. uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
absolute certaintyacademic decisionacademic determinationacademic inquiry
Example
"The evidence left no room for uncertainty."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "uncertainty"?
Common synonyms include: doubt, uncertainness, absences of evidence, accidentality, actuarial calculation, adventitiousness.
How do you use "uncertainty" in a sentence?
The evidence left no room for uncertainty.
How do you pronounce "uncertainty"?
Pronounced /ʌnˈsɝtənti/.
Etymology
From Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- + certainty or uncertain + -ty.