The word uncertainty (/ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/) is spelled with a prefix "un-" that means "not" and the base word "certainty" that means "the state of being certain." The "c" in "certainty" is pronounced as /s/, hence the sound /sɜː/ in the middle of the word "uncertainty." The ending "-ty" is pronounced as /ti/ and is spelled the same way in other words like "verity" and "fidelity." Overall, the spelling of "uncertainty" represents its pronunciation well.
Uncertainty is a noun that refers to the state of being unsure, hesitant, or having doubt about something. It is a lack of certainty or confidence in knowledge, judgment, or outcomes. When faced with uncertainty, individuals may feel anxious, concerned, or unsettled due to the ambiguity or unpredictability of a situation.
In various contexts, uncertainty can pertain to different aspects of life. In the realm of science, uncertainty refers to the margin of error or degree of imprecision associated with measurements or experimental results. It acknowledges that measurements are subject to inherent limitations and that there may be a range of possible values rather than a single definitive answer.
Uncertainty is also commonly used in financial, economic, and business contexts. In this context, it refers to the lack of predictability or stability regarding future events or conditions. For example, economic uncertainty may arise due to factors such as fluctuations in stock markets, changes in government policies, or unexpected events that can impact businesses and the overall economy.
Emotionally, uncertainty can give rise to feelings of unease or apprehension. It may encompass uncertainties about the future, such as career prospects, relationships, or personal goals. Furthermore, uncertainty can arise in interpersonal dynamics, where ambiguity or unclear intentions can lead to confusion or doubt.
Overall, uncertainty is a multifaceted concept that acknowledges the presence of doubt, imprecision, unpredictability, or ambiguity in various aspects of life. Whether scientific, economic, or personal, addressing uncertainty often entails seeking further information, considering different possibilities, or developing strategies to manage and navigate through uncertain circumstances.
Want of certainty or precision ; doubtfulness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "uncertainty" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "incertus", which means not certain or unsure. The prefix "un-" in English usually indicates a negation or absence of something, so "uncertainty" is the state of lacking certainty or being unsure.