Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Uncertainty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❓
Add to dictionary

uncertainty

[ʌnˈsɜːrtənti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of doubt

Uncertainty is the state of being unsure about something. It involves a lack of confidence or knowledge in a particular situation. Uncertainty can lead to anxiety and indecision.

Synonyms

ambiguity, doubt, indecision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
uncertainty

Used when lacking clear information or a definite outcome, commonly in formal or general contexts.

  • The uncertainty of the weather makes it difficult to plan outdoor events.
  • There's a lot of uncertainty about the future of the economy.
doubt

Best used when expressing a feeling of not being sure about something, often in a personal or emotional context.

  • I have serious doubts about their ability to complete the project.
  • She couldn't hide her doubt about the new plan.
indecision

Applied when someone is unable to make a decision, highlighting hesitation or wavering.

  • His indecision is frustrating the team members.
  • After much indecision, she finally chose a dress.
ambiguity

Suitable when something can be understood or interpreted in more than one way, often highlighting confusion or multiple meanings.

  • The ambiguity of his statements left everyone puzzled.
  • Legal documents must be clear and free of ambiguity.

Examples of usage

  • I'm feeling uncertainty about my future career path.
  • The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the election is causing tension.
  • She hesitated due to the uncertainty of the situation.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of predictability

Uncertainty can also refer to the lack of predictability in a situation. It means that the outcome is not known or cannot be determined with confidence.

Synonyms

instability, unpredictability, volatility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
uncertainty

Commonly used to describe a general state of not knowing what will happen or lacking confidence in something.

  • The uncertainty about the new policy left everyone anxious
  • Due to the uncertainty of the weather, we decided to cancel the picnic
unpredictability

Used when highlighting the difficulty in forecasting what will happen due to the complexity or randomness of the situation.

  • The unpredictability of the stock market makes it risky for inexperienced investors
  • Her unpredictability keeps everyone on their toes, as you never know what she will do next
instability

Refers to a state of being unstable or prone to sudden change, often with a negative connotation.

  • The political instability in the country has led to widespread protests
  • Economic instability can cause significant stress in both businesses and individuals
volatility

Typically used to describe a state of rapid and significant change, often in a negative way, especially in financial and political contexts.

  • The volatility of the cryptocurrency market can lead to huge gains or losses within a short period
  • Political volatility has made it difficult for businesses to plan for the future

Examples of usage

  • The stock market is facing uncertainty due to global economic conditions.
  • We are living in a time of great uncertainty.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Uncertainty can create anxiety, as the mind often struggles to predict future outcomes.
  • Some researchers argue that our brain is wired to seek certainty; dealing with ambiguity can be stressful.
  • Engaging with uncertainty can lead to personal growth, as it pushes individuals to adapt and be flexible.

Science

  • In quantum physics, uncertainty plays a fundamental role; particles can exist in multiple states at once.
  • The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle suggests that the more precisely we know a particle's position, the less we can know about its speed.
  • Many scientific theories embrace uncertainty, highlighting that knowledge often evolves and varies with new discoveries.

Culture

  • In literature, themes of uncertainty often drive conflict, exploring characters' struggles with the unknown.
  • Social movements can arise from collective uncertainty, reflecting a desire for change in uncertain times.
  • Modern art often embraces uncertainty, leaving interpretations open to viewer feelings and thoughts.

Finance

  • Uncertainty in markets can lead to volatility, impacting investments and economic forecasts.
  • Risk assessment tools are designed to measure uncertainty in financial decisions, helping investors navigate danger.
  • During times of uncertainty, such as a recession, people may save more rather than spend, affecting overall economic health.

Origin of 'uncertainty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'incertus', meaning 'unsure' or 'unreliable'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, emphasizing doubt and lack of certainty.
  • Many related words stem from the root, such as 'certain' and 'certitude', which highlight the contrast.

The word 'uncertainty' originated from the Latin word 'incertitudo', which means 'doubt' or 'not being sure'. The concept of uncertainty has been studied in various fields such as philosophy, economics, and psychology. It plays a significant role in decision-making and risk assessment.

See also: certain, certainly, certainty, uncertain, uncertainly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,670, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.