Word
uncertainty
Phoneticsun·cer·tain·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈsɝtənti/
UK/ʌnsˈɜːtənti/
Definitions
01the state of being unsure
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the feeling of not being sure about something or not knowing what will happen.
n. the psychological state of doubt or lack of conviction regarding a fact or outcome. Uncountable in this abstract sense.
“There is a lot of uncertainty about whether the company will close next year.”
“The prevailing sense of uncertainty among investors led to a sharp decline in market activity as they waited for the central bank's announcement.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02an unpredictable factor
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a specific thing or situation that is not known or decided yet.
n. a specific circumstance or variable that is unknown or unpredictable. Countable in this sense.
“Life is full of uncertainties, so it is important to have a backup plan.”
“The project manager attempted to account for every possible uncertainty, from supply chain delays to sudden shifts in local regulations.”
Synonyms
03measurement error
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. the range of possible error in a scientific measurement.
n. a parameter that quantifies the dispersion of values that could reasonably be attributed to a measured quantity.
“The scientist calculated the uncertainty in the temperature readings to ensure the data was accurate.”
“Standard laboratory protocols require researchers to report the degree of uncertainty associated with their experimental results to maintain scientific rigour.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in' followed by the measured variable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “uncertainty” in context.
Verb
01. reduce uncertainty
“The government introduced new policies to reduce uncertainty in the financial markets.”
verb + noun
Noun
02. reflect uncertainty
“Current stock prices reflect uncertainty about the upcoming election results.”
noun + verb
03. uncertainty reflect
Real-World Examples
“The organisation said Rideout's release was "incredibly good news" after months of uncertainty about his wellbeing.” “There are strong rumours he may leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window which provides uncertainty and he may be late to return anyway before gameweek one.” Etymology
From Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- + certainty or uncertain + -ty.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/uncertainty