# uncertainty

/ənˈsɝtənti/ (US) · /ʌnsˈɜːtənti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/uncertainty
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the state of being unsure

noun · CEFR B2

the feeling of not being sure about something or not knowing what will happen.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. an unpredictable factor

noun · CEFR B2

a specific thing or situation that is not known or decided yet.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. measurement error

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the range of possible error in a scientific measurement.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- There is a lot of uncertainty about the new job.
- The sudden change in leadership created a period of deep uncertainty for the company's investors.
- Economists warned that prolonged political uncertainty could discourage foreign investment and lead to a stagnation of the national growth rate over the next fiscal year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.