uncertainty

The feeling or situation of not knowing what is true or what will happen.

• The uncertainty made her anxious.
• There is uncertainty about our future.
• His clear answer removed much of the uncertainty.

How to use it: uncertainty about something (There is uncertainty about the date.); uncertainty over something (Uncertainty over jobs has increased.); uncertainty as to whether… (There is uncertainty as to whether the road will reopen.)

Similar words: doubt

Opposites: certainty

Common phrases: economic uncertainty, uncertainty about something, period of uncertainty

A particular fact, question, or possible event whose nature or outcome is not known.

• The cost remains a major uncertainty.
• We discussed the uncertainties in the plan.
• Weather is one uncertainty we cannot control.

Similar words: unknown, unknown factor

Common phrases: a major uncertainty, uncertainties of life, uncertainty in something