Langimage
English

uncertainty

|un-cer-tain-ty|

B2

🇺🇸

/ʌnˈsɜːrtnti/

🇬🇧

/ʌnˈsɜːtnti/

lack of certainty

Etymology
Etymology Information

'uncertainty' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'uncertaintee,' where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'certain' meant 'sure or definite.'

Historical Evolution

'uncertaintee' transformed into the modern English word 'uncertainty' through gradual linguistic evolution.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not sure or definite,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the state of being uncertain or not having complete knowledge.

The uncertainty of the weather made planning difficult.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35