profound uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or significant level of doubt or lack of clarity regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "The scientists expressed profound uncertainty about the long-term effects of the new drug on patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ahead of them, profound uncertainty.

The Guardian

Profound uncertainty is endemic to the field of environmental policy.

Columbia University

There is profound uncertainty about the impact of the accident".

The Guardian

An uncomfortable sense of profound uncertainty permeates these sorts of questions.

The Washington Post

The Impostor is a bleak but compelling book, set in a time of profound uncertainty.

The Guardian - Books

The country was now facing a "period of profound uncertainty", he added.

The Guardian

"There is really profound uncertainty" about the future level of demand for electricity.

The New York Times

Yet there remains profound uncertainty over the economics of the music industry.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The continuing rapid advance of information technology is creating equally profound uncertainties.

MIT Technology Review

"So we are facing profound uncertainties about how our coastal ecosystems are going to look".

The New York Times - Science

The profound uncertainties of life-science-based industries such as biotech have forced these nations to confront a new logic of industry development, one in which past strategies of picking and making winners have given way to a new strategy of throwing resources at what remain very long shots.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profound uncertainty", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the uncertainty. Specificity strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "profound uncertainty" as a generic intensifier. Always link it to a tangible situation or factor to maintain clarity and impact. Replace it with "minor doubt" or "slight change" when you are referring to something trivial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "profound" modifies the noun "uncertainty", intensifying its meaning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound uncertainty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe situations characterized by significant doubt and unpredictability. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to link it to a specific situation to maintain clarity and impact. While alternatives like "deep uncertainty" and "significant uncertainty" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in vague contexts to ensure its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep uncertainty

Replaces "profound" with "deep", indicating a significant level of uncertainty but with a slightly different emphasis on the intensity.

great uncertainty

Substitutes "profound" with "great", suggesting a substantial degree of uncertainty.

significant uncertainty

Replaces "profound" with "significant", highlighting the importance or impact of the uncertainty.

considerable uncertainty

Changes "profound" to "considerable", emphasizing the amount or extent of the uncertainty.

substantial ambiguity

Shifts from "uncertainty" to "ambiguity", focusing on the lack of clarity and multiple possible interpretations.

intense doubt

Replaces "uncertainty" with "doubt", highlighting the feeling of disbelief or lack of conviction.

grave apprehension

Substitutes "uncertainty" with "apprehension", emphasizing the anxiety or fear associated with the unknown.

major unpredictability

Replaces "uncertainty" with "unpredictability", focusing on the inability to foresee future outcomes.

vast unknown

Expresses the idea as a large area of unexplored possibilities or outcomes.

fundamental instability

Focuses on the lack of a stable foundation or predictable pattern.

FAQs

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

Use "profound uncertainty" to describe situations where the outcomes are highly unpredictable and the lack of clarity is significant. For example, "The economic crisis has created a period of "profound uncertainty" for businesses".

What are some alternatives to "profound uncertainty"?

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

Is it better to use "profound uncertainty" or "deep uncertainty"?

Both "profound uncertainty" and "deep uncertainty" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express. "Profound" suggests a more intellectual or philosophical depth, while "deep" indicates intensity.

What kind of situations typically lead to "profound uncertainty"?

Situations like political upheaval, economic crises, rapid technological advancements, or significant environmental changes often create "profound uncertainty" because they disrupt established patterns and make future outcomes difficult to predict.