Uncertainty

/ʌnˈsɜːr.tən.ti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The state of being uncertain; doubt or lack of surety.

The uncertainty of the weather made it difficult to plan the outdoor event.

A situation that is not known or has unpredictable outcomes.

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the stability of the economy.

The degree to which a measurement or estimate may differ from the actual value.

The uncertainty in the scientific results was accounted for with error bars in the graphs.

A lack of assurance or confidence.

Her uncertainty about her decision was evident in her hesitation to speak.

A feeling of anxiety about not knowing what will happen.

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.

Winging it

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

Playing it by ear

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