uncertain business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or venture that lacks clarity or predictability, often in a financial or operational context. Example: "Investing in startups can be an uncertain business, as many fail to achieve profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Economic forecasting is always an uncertain business.

The New York Times

Prediction is an uncertain business, but a crucial one.

The New York Times

Reckoning the correct tempo of deficit-cutting is an uncertain business.

The Economist

Stopping a government from killing its own is an uncertain business.

The New York Times

Though uncertain, business is promising Mr Gabel reports moving $500 worth of magazines in one hour.

The Economist

But delivering packages is an improvisatory, uncertain business that requires lots of tacit knowledge.

The New Yorker

In today's globalized and highly uncertain business environments, supply chains have become more vulnerable to disruptions.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

What does it take to be an effective leader in today's unpredictable and uncertain business environments?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

An uncertain business environment makes organizations seek for rather flexible approaches to manufacturing.

Procedia CIRP

The panel has asked each side to call witnesses, but even that is an uncertain business.

The New York Times - Sports

However elegant its models, forecasting the behavior of 2,393 mortgage holders is an uncertain business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more emphasis to the specific area of uncertainty, specify the type of uncertainty, such as "uncertain economic outlook" or "uncertain regulatory landscape".

Common error

While "uncertain business" is a useful descriptor, avoid using it repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "risky venture" or describing the specific sources of uncertainty to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain business" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "uncertain" modifies the noun "business". It describes a commercial activity or enterprise characterized by unpredictability or risk. Ludwig AI examples show it used in contexts ranging from economic forecasts to individual companies' prospects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertain business" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a business or market sector fraught with unpredictability and risk. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across diverse fields, from news and media to science and formal business contexts. The phrase is versatile, employed for expressing caution, managing expectations, or rationalizing strategic choices. Though widely accepted, careful usage dictates varying language to prevent redundancy and specifying the type of uncertainty for clarity. Alternatives like "risky venture" or "precarious business" provide nuanced options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictable business

Focuses on the inability to foresee future outcomes, emphasizing the volatile and erratic nature of the business.

risky venture

Highlights the element of danger and potential loss associated with the enterprise.

precarious business

Highlights the instability and potential for failure, indicating a high degree of risk and vulnerability.

dubious business

Emphasizes the questionable or suspicious nature of the business, suggesting a lack of integrity or ethical concerns.

speculative undertaking

Suggests that the business is based on conjecture and uncertain assumptions, with a high potential for both profit and loss.

tenuous enterprise

Emphasizes the fragility and lack of strong foundation of the business.

hazardous activity

Focuses on the potentially dangerous and detrimental aspects of the business.

volatile market

Shifts the focus to the external environment, highlighting the unstable and fluctuating conditions in which the business operates.

ambiguous situation

Highlights the lack of clarity and definition, suggesting uncertainty about the current conditions of the business.

unsettled affair

Focuses on unresolved issues or lack of finality, emphasizing the ongoing nature of uncertainty.

FAQs

How to use "uncertain business" in a sentence?

You can use "uncertain business" to describe a company or market sector facing unpredictable conditions. For example, "Investing in that sector is an "uncertain business" due to rapid technological advancements."

What can I say instead of "uncertain business"?

You can use alternatives like "risky venture", "precarious business", or "unpredictable market" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "uncertain business" or "uncertainty in business"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Uncertain business" refers to a business that is itself uncertain. "Uncertainty in business" refers to the general state of uncertainty that can affect any business.

How does an "uncertain business" environment affect investment decisions?

An "uncertain business" environment can lead to investors being more cautious and risk-averse, potentially delaying or reducing investments. They may seek safer or more stable alternatives, waiting for more clarity before committing capital.