uncertaintyn.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈsəːtnti/, U.S. /ˌənˈsərtnti/ 1.
a. The quality of being uncertain in respect of duration, continuance, occurrence, etc.; liability to chance or accident. Also, the quality of being indeterminate as to magnitude or value; the amount of variation in a numerical result that is consistent with observation. For the phrase the glorious uncertainty of the law see glorious adj. 5b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > changeableness > [noun]
unstablenessc1340
varyingc1380
uncertaintyc1384
brotelnessc1386
were1390
instabilityc1422
bricklenessa1425
changeability?a1425
changeableness1447
vertibility1447
mutability?a1475
variableness?a1475
inconstance1509
mutationa1542
fickleness1548
variety1548
unconstancy1563
mobility1567
unstability1572
vicissitude1576
variousness1607
inconstancy1613
slipperinessa1618
alterableness1633
versatilousness1640
bottomlessness1642
lability1651
brittlety1652
versatileness1654
fluctuancy1659
fugitivenessa1661
alterability1661
permutability1662
unfixedness1668
mutablenessa1677
flittingnessa1680
frailness1687
flittiness1692
versability1721
plasticity1727
variability1771
unestablishment1776
fluctuabilitya1786
changefulness1791
unsettledness1799
versatility1802
harlequinism1808
fluidity1824
fitfulness1825
sensitiveness1825
insubstantiality1848
contingency1858
rootlessness1859
shiftingness1866
ficklety1888
variancy1888
impredicability1906
proteanism1909
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [noun] > particular qualities > unspecified or indeterminate
so many1533
indeterminationa1620
unknown quantity1633
unknown1817
X1847
uncertainty1853
the world > matter > physics > quantum theory > quantum mechanics > matrix mechanics > [noun] > uncertainty principle > quality of
uncertainty1930
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Tim. vi. 17 Nethir for to hope in vncerteynte of richessis, but in quyk God.
1495 Act 11 Hen. VII c. 36 Preamble Greate uncertente and troble myght her~after growe bytwyne the seid Duches and the seid nowe Duke.
a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. CCxxx Bothe for the vncertaynty of the same [sc. life], and also for the paynfulnes..therof.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xx Whose study was euer to procure malice, and to set al thynges in broile and vncertentie.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. xxvi. sig. Ff3 The vncertainty of his estate made you take armes.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 278 By reason of the aforesaid uncertaintie in receiving money by billes of exchange.
1677 A. Yarranton England's Improvem. 19 Such hazards at Sea as attend Merchants, with the badness and uncertainty of Personal Security.
1755 Earl of Corke in J. Duncombe Lett. Several Eminent Persons Deceased (1773) III. 29 The uncertainty of the weather was still more surprising than the cold: we have had all kinds of seasons in a day.
1794 R. J. Sulivan View of Nature I. 164 There is, besides this, great uncertainty of colour, according as the heat varies.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 99 Neither broken nor at rest; In bright uncertainty they lie.
1853 Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 1850–3 5 372 As to the sun and moon, it is more doubtful. In the transit they have larger probable errors than the stars. For the sun I obtained..the first limb ±0s·116, the second ±0s·087;..while stars..had but ±0s·097. This greater uncertainty arises from the strong contrast between the bright and dark surfaces whose boundary we take.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xi. 75 The uncertainty of the footing between the blocks of ice.
1861 G. B. Airy Theory Errors of Observ. i. 4 Strictly speaking, we ought..to use the word ‘uncertainty’ instead of ‘error’. For we cannot at any time assert positively that our estimate or measure, though fallible, is not perfectly correct; and therefore it may happen that there is no ‘error’, in the ordinary sense of the word.
1930 A. E. Ruark & H. C. Urey Atoms, Molecules & Quanta xviii. 619 If a coordinate q is measured with an error of the order Δq, the uncertainty, Δp, of the conjugate momentum introduced by our measurement is such that Δq·Δp ≅ h.
1943 M. W. White et al. Pract. Physics i. 12 As applied to the final result of a measurement, the accuracy is expressed by stating the uncertainty of the numerical result, that is, the estimated maximum amount by which the result may differ from the ‘true’ or accepted value.
1974 G. Reece tr. F. Hund Hist. Quantum Theory xii. 161 We thus have the relationship ∆ E ∆ t ≈ h between the uncertainty in the determination of energy and the evaluation of a point in time.
1975 Physics Bull. Apr. 165/2 The PTB developed a new measuring apparatus capable of accurate measurements of diameter on pistons of 850 mm and cylinders up to 1200 mm in diameter. The uncertainty in Q, dQ/Q, was estimated to be 3 × 10−5.
b. With a and plural. Something of which the occurrence, result, etc., is uncertain.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > unreliability > [noun] > unpredictability > instance of
uncertainty1619
peradventure1627
casualty?1677
anybody's guess1893
guess1958
uncontrollable1977
1619 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1618–21 (1906) 174 I send him not uppon uncertayntyes but uppon sure grounds.
1653 J. Hall Paradoxes 37 We love to toyl for uncertainties, and in this are worse then children.
1691 Humble Addr. Publicans in Andros Tracts (1869) II. 251 Most of the Persons in our Government understand little or nothing of Trade, and so they leave it always at uncertainties.
1712 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. c6 Dec. (1965) I. 172 I would not advise you to neglect a certainty for an uncertainty.
1757 Pitt in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 214 Exposed to the most alarming Uncertainties.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia II. iii. ix. 117 Mr. Arnott was wretched from a thousand uncertainties.
1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. viii. 141 Every thing seems so certain, so inevitable, a consequence of the enterprise—yet my mind is harassed by uncertainties.
1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic xiii. 443 The probability..of two independent uncertainties happening conjointly.
c. An uncertain gain or emolument.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth > uncertain or extraordinary
extraordinary1599
uncertainty1650
1650 R. Withers tr. O. Bon Descr. Grand Signor's Seraglio xii. 177 He hath then but a thousand aspars a day, as the Cadeeleschers have..; howbeit their uncertainties, amount alwayes to a far greater matter.
2.
a. The state of not being definitely known or perfectly clear; doubtfulness or vagueness.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > [noun]
unwitternessa1300
were1303
unsickernessc1340
uncertaintyc1380
non-certainc1390
doubta1400
unsureness1430
untrust1430
unsuretyc1460
non-certainty1475
incertain1502
doubtfulness1530
uncertitudea1556
incertitude1603
incertainty1609
dubiosity1646
dubiousness1651
dubietyc1750
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. II. 133 Þat sum men graunten and sum men denyen, for uncerteynte of þe dede.
1395 J. Purvey Remonstr. (1851) 47 The multitude and vncertaynte of siche lawis.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus Incertum,..doubtfulnesse: vncertaintie.
1599 R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (new ed.) II. i. Ep. Ded. sig. *4v Besides the foresaid vncertaintie, into what dangers and difficulties they plunged themselues..I tremble to recount.
a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 95 This is the briefe of the uncertainty of the History.
1696 W. Whiston New Theory of Earth iii. 210 I might..leave the following Conjectures to the same state of Uncertainty they have hitherto been in.
1765 Museum Rusticum 4 291 The uncertainty in which of the stages the delineation of the plant has been taken.
1802 T. Thomson Syst. Chem. II. ii. v. 189 He acknowledged..that there were two sources of uncertainty, which rendered his conclusions not altogether to be depended upon.
1869 J. A. Froude Educ. in Short Stud. (1871) 322 So far as our special occupations go, there is no uncertainty.
1902 J. Gairdner Eng. Church 16th Cent. viii. 141 The name of the celebrant was kept a profound secret, and to this day it is a matter of uncertainty.
b. Law. In bad, or void, for uncertainty.
ΚΠ
1804 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. IV. 425 Where the words of a deed are so uncertain, that the intention of the parties cannot be discovered, the deed will have no effect. Thus, a gift..to one of the children of J. S., he having four, is void for the uncertainty.
1890 Sir A. Charles in Law Times Rep. 63 767/1 There is some variation in the mode in which the custom is stated, but not enough to make it bad for uncertainty.
c. Something not definitely known or knowable; a doubtful point.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > [noun] > something uncertain
uncertaintya1387
ambiguity1445
moot point1563
measuring cast1631
inconcludency1654
disputablea1657
undefinable1809
tertium quid1826
open question1837
question mark1870
inconclusion1886
disputability1892
borderliner1953
undecidable1965
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 377 It is vncerteynte whiche Mercurius þis was.
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. I. i. iii. sig. Biiijv/1 What..is more euident than that which..no man doth referre to darkenesse and vncertainties.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) ii. ii. 188 Vntill I know this sure vncertaintie, Ile entertaine the free'd fallacie. View more context for this quotation
1653 W. Ramesey Astrologia Restaurata 38 To what end..is it for a man to busie his head about such uncertainties.
1878 A. P. Stanley Addr. & Serm. in Amer. (1883) iii. 141 Many a one..has been perplexed by the uncertainties and contentions of history.
1889 Renan's Bk. Job p. xxxix There is but one remedy for such uncertainties.
3. plural.1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. viii. 139 I marvel at..these hesitations and uncertainties in a man of your resolution.1851 T. Carlyle Life J. Sterling ii. iii. 156 I suppose, he was full of uncertainties.† b. at uncertainty, upon uncertainties.
a. The state or character of being uncertain in mind; a state of doubt; want of assurance or confidence; hesitation, irresolution.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun]
studyinglOE
orrathnessc1175
doubta1225
balance1297
were1303
doubtancec1325
unsickernessc1340
wilsomenessa1400
wonda1400
scriple?a1425
ambiguityc1425
diswerec1440
dubitationc1450
variation?1473
incertainty1483
doubting1486
doubtfulness1526
scrupulousness1526
scruple1548
uncertainty1548
disputation1549
irresolution1592
swithering1597
hesitance1601
incertitude1601
unpersuadedness1612
inassurance1614
hesitancy1617
unsettledness1619
hesitation1622
unsatisfaction1643
unsatisfiedness1646
dubitancy1649
insecurity1649
dispersuasion1653
unassuredness1660
scrupling1665
unconfidencea1670
swither1719
dubietyc1750
mank1808
suspense1816
dubitating1837
doubtingness1840
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > [noun]
yea-and-nayc1384
vacillationc1400
titteringa1413
stackeringc1440
wondingc1440
fluctuationc1450
waver1519
mammering1532
uncertainty1548
wavering1548
to and fro1553
suspense1560
staggering1565
suspension1568
mammery1578
demur1581
branle1591
dilly-dally1592
hesitance1601
irresolution1601
uncertainness1601
undecision1611
waveringness1614
hesitancy1617
unsettledness1619
hesitation1622
unresolvednessa1626
doubleness of minda1628
wavinga1628
swagging1636
poise1637
mambling1640
stickagea1647
vacillancy1668
whifflinga1677
hovering1679
unresolve1679
irresoluteness1686
shilly-shally1755
indecisiona1763
undecisiveness1779
indecisiveness1793
oscillation1798
flexility1815
shilly-shallying1842
swaying1850
Hamletism1852
teeter1855
havering1866
off and on1875
dilly-dallying1879
double-mindedness1881
hesitatingness1890
dither1958
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Suspensio, a hangyng vp; also doubte or vncertayntee of the mynde.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Phormio iv. iii, in Terence in Eng. 430 Let me vnderstande..if they will giue me her, that I may let this alone, least I stay in an vncertaintie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. iii. 128 I banish you, And heere remaine with your vncertaintie. Let euery feeble Rumor shake your hearts. View more context for this quotation
1635 D. Dickson Short Explan. Hebrewes x. 35. 242 Doeth not this Exhortation importe the Elects vnsetlednesse, and vncertayntie of perseverance?
1746 J. Wesley Princ. Methodist farther Explain'd 42 When I have been in great Distress of Soul, or in utter Uncertainty how to act, in an important Case.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho I. i. 19 She was compelled to rest in uncertainty.
1851 N. Hawthorne House of Seven Gables ix. 150 Pacing the room..with the uncertainty that characterized all his movements.
1879 J. Lubbock Addresses, Polit. & Educ. iii. 57 Uncertainty as to the educational value of Science.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [adjective] > in a state of uncertainty
in non-certainc1390
in supposition1565
at uncertainty1668
whether for a penny1672
in the air1752
at whethers1828
1668 J. Howe Blessedness of Righteous Disc. (1825) 267 Though he be upon great uncertainties as to his enjoyment of them.
1690 J. Locke 2nd Let. Toleration in Wks. (1714) II. 272 Whereby we are as much still at Uncertainty, as we were before, who those are who..are to be punished.
4. Economics. (The quality of) a business risk which cannot be measured and whose outcome cannot be predicted or insured against (see quots. 19212, 1964). Cf. risk n. 2a.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > financial loss > [noun] > risk of financial loss
risgoe1638
to run a risco1657
risk1662
risk1734
market risk1918
war risk1920
uncertainty1921
1921 F. H. Knight (title) Risk, uncertainty and profit.
1921 F. H. Knight Risk, Uncertainty & Profit i. 20 A measurable uncertainty, or ‘risk’ proper, as we shall use the term, is so far different from an unmeasurable one that it is not in effect an uncertainty at all. We shall accordingly restrict the term ‘uncertainty’ to cases of the non-quantitative type. It is this ‘true’ uncertainty..which forms the basis of a valid theory of profit.
1929 G. O'Brien Notes on Theory of Profit ii. 17 The assumption of uncertainty is therefore a disutility and must be rewarded. Is uncertainty bearing on this account, entitled to rank as a separate factor of production.
1964 J. Gould & W. L. Kolb Dict. Social Sci. 606/1 In its broadest definition the term uncertainty is used by economists to refer to any situation in which a set of alternative outcomes is not fully predictable.
1969 D. C. Hague Managerial Econ. vii. 137 To conform to established terminology we shall, from now on, use the word uncertainty to mean the same thing as non-insurable risk.
5. (Heisenberg's) uncertainty principle (Physics), a principle of quantum mechanics implying that certain pairs of observables (e.g. the momentum and position of a particle, the energy and lifetime of a quantum level) cannot both be precisely and simultaneously known, and that as one of any pair is more exactly defined, the other becomes more uncertain. Also transferred. Cf. Heisenberg n., principle of indeterminacy n. at indeterminacy n. Compounds.The principle is usually stated as an inequality such that the product of the uncertainties of the pair of observables cannot be less than a quantity of the order of Planck's constant.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > quantum theory > quantum mechanics > matrix mechanics > [noun] > uncertainty principle
principle of indeterminacy1928
(Heisenberg's) uncertainty principle1929
1928 Physical Rev. 32 570 The principle of uncertainty is particularly clear in this [sc. Weyl's] system.]
1929 E. U. Condon & P. M. Morse Quantum Mech. i. 21 (heading) The quantum uncertainty principle.
1931 Times Lit. Suppl. 5 Nov. 852/4 Perhaps the most remarkable discovery that has been made in connexion with atomic theory is the so-called Uncertainty Principle.
1955 W. Heisenberg in W. Pauli Niels Bohr & Devel. Physics 15 It was now [sc. in 1927] assumed in quantum mechanics that real states can always be represented as vectors in Hilbert space (or as ‘mixtures’ of such vectors). The uncertainty principle was the simple expression for this assumption.
1977 Time 14 Mar. 74/1 Even in the age of the Uncertainty Principle and culture fracture, Warren has not lost his sense of life as a sustained drama.
1982 A. M. Lesk Introd. Physical Chem. x. 309 What Heisenberg's uncertainty principle asserts is that for no state of any system can all dynamical variables be arbitrarily well-determined.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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