deep uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where there is a significant lack of knowledge or predictability about outcomes. Example: "The researchers faced deep uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of the new policy on the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In early February deep uncertainty prevailed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is a journey of deep uncertainty.

The New York Times

We are, once again, in a period of deep uncertainty.

The New Yorker

His refusal to go plunges the country into deep uncertainty.

The Guardian

Among conservation scientists, there is deep uncertainty over how best to respond to the poaching crisis.

The Guardian

"The selfie phenomenon is an expression of our deep uncertainty for our own identities," he said.

The Guardian

There is deep uncertainty about the outlook for their business or industry.

The Economist

The reason for the high anxiety, analysts say, is deep uncertainty about the future.

The New York Times

THE deep uncertainty over what will happen next in Greece unnerved financial markets.

The Economist

The sum comes at a time of deep uncertainty in the book publishing world.

The New York Times

His research focuses on risk management and decision-making under conditions of deep uncertainty.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep uncertainty" to describe situations where the range of possible outcomes is wide and the probabilities of those outcomes are unknown or unknowable. This is especially useful in fields like economics, climate science, and policy making.

Common error

While "deep uncertainty" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "a lot of unknowns" or "very unsure" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, where "deep" modifies the noun "uncertainty". Ludwig examples show it describing situations lacking predictability. The phrase is used to characterize a state of unknown or unpredictable outcomes across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deep uncertainty" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for describing situations with a significant lack of predictability. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase appears most frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, signaling a formal register. The phrase is effective for conveying the challenges of planning or decision-making when future outcomes are largely unknown. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is advisable to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its acceptance in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound uncertainty

Replaces "deep" with "profound", emphasizing the intensity of the uncertainty.

significant ambiguity

Substitutes "uncertainty" with "ambiguity", highlighting the lack of clarity.

considerable doubt

Replaces "uncertainty" with "doubt", focusing on the questioning of outcomes.

substantial unpredictability

Emphasizes the inability to foresee what will happen.

grave apprehension

Conveys a more serious and worried feeling about the uncertainty.

serious reservations

Indicates strong doubts and hesitations about a situation.

fundamental instability

Highlights the lack of a solid foundation or reliable base.

pervasive precariousness

Emphasizes the widespread and risky nature of the situation.

vast unknown

Focuses on the immensity of what is not known or understood.

complete lack of clarity

Stresses the total absence of clear understanding or information.

FAQs

How can I use "deep uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "deep uncertainty" to describe situations with unpredictable outcomes, such as "The project faces "deep uncertainty" due to changing market conditions".

What are some alternatives to "deep uncertainty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "profound uncertainty", "significant ambiguity", or "considerable doubt".

Is it correct to say "deep uncertainity" instead of "deep uncertainty"?

No, "deep uncertainity" is a misspelling. The correct term is ""deep uncertainty"", where "uncertainty" is a noun.

What's the difference between "risk" and "deep uncertainty"?

"Risk" implies that probabilities of outcomes are known or can be estimated, whereas ""deep uncertainty"" suggests that probabilities are unknown or impossible to predict.