n.
Pronunciation: -t ə n-t ē
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : the quality or state of being uncertain : DOUBT
2 : something that is uncertain
synonyms UNCERTAINTY , DOUBT , DUBIETY , SKEPTICISM , SUSPICION , MISTRUST mean lack of sureness about someone or something. UNCERTAINTY may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result <assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty >. DOUBT suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision <plagued by doubts as to what to do>. DUBIETY stresses a wavering between conclusions <felt some dubiety about its practicality>. SKEPTICISM implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence <an economic forecast greeted with skepticism >. SUSPICION stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone <regarded the stranger with suspicion >. MISTRUST implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion <had a great mistrust of doctors>.