Uncertainty
ʌnˈsɜːrtnti
Definitions
The state of doubt, the lack of confidence in something's outcome or truth.
ʌnˈsɜːrtnti
The state of being uncertain; lack of certainty or sureness.
The uncertainty of the weather made it difficult to plan a picnic.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for your test results. You don't know if you did well or not, and you're feeling a bit nervous. That feeling of 'not knowing' is uncertainty! It's like when you're planning a surprise party and you're unsure if the guest of honor will actually like it.
👶 For kids: When you don't know what will happen, like when you're waiting for your birthday presents. That's uncertainty!
More Examples
Financial uncertainty has many people worried about their investments.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the investigation.
How It's Used
"Economic uncertainty can lead to decreased investment."
"The political uncertainty surrounding the election caused anxiety."
"There's uncertainty about the exact time of the supernova's explosion."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English *uncerten, from Old French incertain (uncertain), from Latin incertus (uncertain, doubtful), from in- (not) + certus (certain).
The word has been used in English since the 14th century, gradually evolving to encompass its current meanings.
Memory tip
Think of a situation where you don't know the outcome – that feeling is uncertainty.
Word Origin
"certain, sure, settled"