B2noun 1K

Uncertainty

🇬🇧 UK /["/ʌnˈsɜːtnti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ʌnˈsɜːrtnti/"]/

Meaning of Uncertainty

the state of being uncertain

In simple words: Not being sure about something.

Uncertainty in a sentence

• The uncertainty about the future made it difficult for her to make long-term plans.
• Economic uncertainty often causes investors to be cautious with their funds.
• He struggled with the uncertainty of the test results for weeks.
• Scientists face uncertainty when predicting complex climate changes.
• The uncertainty principle in physics describes limitations in measuring certain pairs of properties.

How to use Uncertainty

Use 'uncertainty' in formal discussions, such as scientific or academic contexts. Avoid it in casual conversations where simpler words like 'doubt' may be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

uncertainty + (about / regarding + object)

Memory hint

Think of 'uncertain' — like standing on shaky ground.

Related words

Collocations with Uncertainty

• considerable
• great
• high
• amount
• degree
• element
• cause
• create
• generate
• surround something
• exist
• remain
• uncertainty about
• uncertainty as to
• uncertainty in
• an area of uncertainty
• an atmosphere of uncertainty
• a climate of uncertainty
• considerable
• great
• high
• amount
• degree
• element
• cause
• create
• generate
• surround something
• exist
• remain
• uncertainty about
• uncertainty as to
• uncertainty in
• an area of uncertainty
• an atmosphere of uncertainty
• a climate of uncertainty

Synonyms for Uncertainty

• doubt
• ambiguity
• unclear
• question
• indecision

Opposites of Uncertainty

• certainty
• assurance
• confidence

Common mistakes with Uncertainty

• Confusing 'uncertainty' with 'insecurity' which has different meanings.
• Using 'uncertainty' in situations that require more concrete terms.
• Not differentiating between 'uncertainty' as a state and the causes of that uncertainty.

Frequently asked questions about Uncertainty

What does Uncertainty mean?

Not being sure about something.

What is the definition of Uncertainty?

the state of being uncertain

How do you use Uncertainty in a sentence?

The uncertainty about the future made it difficult for her to make long-term plans.

Can you give another example of Uncertainty?

Economic uncertainty often causes investors to be cautious with their funds.

What are synonyms for Uncertainty?

Common alternatives include doubt, ambiguity, unclear, question, indecision.

What is the opposite of Uncertainty?

Opposite meanings include certainty, assurance, confidence.

What words go with Uncertainty?

It commonly pairs with considerable, great, high, amount, degree, element, cause, create, generate, surround something, exist, remain, uncertainty about, uncertainty as to, uncertainty in, an area of uncertainty, an atmosphere of uncertainty, a climate of uncertainty, considerable, great, high, amount, degree, element, cause, create, generate, surround something, exist, remain, uncertainty about, uncertainty as to, uncertainty in, an area of uncertainty, an atmosphere of uncertainty, a climate of uncertainty.

What are common mistakes when using Uncertainty?

Confusing 'uncertainty' with 'insecurity' which has different meanings. Using 'uncertainty' in situations that require more concrete terms. Not differentiating between 'uncertainty' as a state and the causes of that uncertainty.

How do you pronounce Uncertainty?

US: /["/ʌnˈsɜːrtnti/"]/, UK: /["/ʌnˈsɜːtnti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Uncertainty?

Use 'uncertainty' in formal discussions, such as scientific or academic contexts. Avoid it in casual conversations where simpler words like 'doubt' may be more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Uncertainty?

"Uncertainty" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.