feeling of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an emotional state characterized by doubt or lack of confidence about a situation or outcome. Example: "As the deadline approached, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of uncertainty about the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The feeling of uncertainty feels like pain, when you can't predict when the lights will come back on and you're holding multiple possible futures in your head.

The New York Times

That unnerving feeling of uncertainty can cause someone to feel like they've lost control and give into the urges of self harm.

Huffington Post

Rather, a feeling of uncertainty has enveloped him.

Independent

Yet a feeling of uncertainty prevails in the general public and in the biomedical world.

The Lancet Neurology

There was a feeling of uncertainty that discouraged entrepreneurship, lending and spending, and most important, hiring.

The New York Times

Is he expressing what Oxford Dictionaries calls "a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction".

The Guardian

This feeling of uncertainty has slowly faded as I've been able to prove myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And so I think that feeling of uncertainty, no matter how much hard work and time you put in.

Stanford University

"That the speed and the infinite possibility of digital editing make for a constant feeling of uncertainty".

The New York Times - Magazine

This has to do with the Paris attacks and the general feeling of uncertainty in Europe and Berlinin," he wrote.

Independent

Given the quality and experience of the players involved, the occasional later feeling of uncertainty was only a relative one.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of uncertainty" to accurately describe situations where doubt or lack of clarity is the prevailing emotion.

Common error

In formal writing, consider stronger, more precise terms like "ambiguity", "indecision", or "lack of clarity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Over-reliance on "feeling of uncertainty" can make your writing sound vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of uncertainty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage, exemplified by numerous instances across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of uncertainty" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of doubt or insecurity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows for use across various contexts, from news reports to scientific studies and everyday conversations. While "sense of doubt" or "state of indecision" can serve as alternatives, the phrase "feeling of uncertainty" particularly emphasizes the emotional dimension of doubt. While versatile, remember to be specific in formal writing to avoid any vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of doubt

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of uncertainty, emphasizing questioning and disbelief.

lack of conviction

Focuses on the absence of firm belief or confidence in something.

state of indecision

Highlights the inability to make a firm choice or commitment.

atmosphere of ambiguity

Shifts the focus from personal feeling to the surrounding environment, implying unclear circumstances.

indecisiveness

A trait or tendency to be unable to make decisions promptly and effectively

climate of insecurity

Emphasizes the lack of safety and stability, often in a broader social or political context.

air of apprehension

Highlights a specific type of uncertainty linked to fear or anxiety about future events.

unease

Conveys a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety without specifying the cause.

disquiet

Suggests a more profound disturbance or anxiety than simple unease.

trepidation

Emphasizes fear or nervousness about something that might happen.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of uncertainty" to describe a state of doubt or insecurity about something. For example: "The new policy created a "feeling of uncertainty" among the employees."

What can I say instead of "feeling of uncertainty"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of doubt", "state of indecision", or "lack of conviction" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a feeling of uncertainties"?

No, it is generally incorrect. "Uncertainty" is typically an uncountable noun, so you would not pluralize it in this context. Use ""feeling of uncertainty"".

What's the difference between "feeling of uncertainty" and "sense of uncertainty"?

While similar, "feeling of uncertainty" emphasizes the emotional experience, whereas "sense of uncertainty" can refer to a more intellectual or general awareness of uncertain conditions.