Meaning & Definition of word "Uncertainty"

Uncertainty

/ʌnˈsɜːr.tən.ti/

1. The state of being uncertain; doubt or lack of surety.
- Example: The uncertainty of the weather made it difficult to plan the outdoor event.
2. A situation that is not known or has unpredictable outcomes.
- Example: There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the stability of the economy.
3. The degree to which a measurement or estimate may differ from the actual value.
- Example: The uncertainty in the scientific results was accounted for with error bars in the graphs.
4. A lack of assurance or confidence.
- Example: Her uncertainty about her decision was evident in her hesitation to speak.
5. A feeling of anxiety about not knowing what will happen.
- Example: He experienced a sense of uncertainty as he awaited the outcome of the interview.

From Middle French 'incertitude', from Latin 'incertus' meaning 'uncertain or unsure'.

climate of uncertainty:

A general condition of unpredictability, often in business or politics.

embrace uncertainty:

To accept and live with the lack of predictability.

uncertainty principle:

A concept in quantum mechanics that states that certain pairs of properties cannot be simultaneously known.

doubt:

A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

ambiguity:

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation.

instability:

The state of being unstable or subject to change.

Meaning: Winging it

Example Sentence: When you're not sure what to do, you just have to wing it.

Meaning: Playing it by ear

Example Sentence: With so much uncertainty, I'm just going to play it by ear and see how things turn out.