uncertainties

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "uncertainties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to situations or factors that cause doubt and anxiety, or that make it difficult to make a decision or plan. For example: "The future is filled with uncertainties, but I'm sure that I'm making the right choice for my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I visited the Jordanian border with Syria I met young children who witnessed the killing of their relatives, who had walked for weeks to escape the violence, and who face all the uncertainties and difficulties of life as a refugee.

The Guardian

A £12m bid has been submitted, though compensation would be determined by a tribunal May end up with Kieran Trippier (Burnley) Transfer kitty £30m Already signed Kevin Wimmer (Cologne, £4.3m) Watford's manager has little influence over player recruitment, which given current uncertainties is just as well.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the oil market's longest known uncertainties, that of a match between projected demand and supply for oil, is today more uncertain than ever.

The Guardian

But the fates of Spain, Italy and above all Greece hang in the balance between euro-doom and all the uncertainties of the restored drachma.

The Guardian

Sandy Chen, an analyst at Cenkos, said he was concerned about the "uncertainties involved with the next two to three years of hacking back the brambles… and the income-generating capacity of the severely pruned investment bank that will emerge".

The Guardian - Business

For me, as I graduate this summer, I will do so with more uncertainties than the average twenty-something.

The Guardian

But my early years as a generalist had their own uncertainties.

The Guardian

Some of the Grimm tales transparently address our darkest fears, but in a sense, all mythic storytelling is about addressing uncertainties and anxieties.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Acceptable risk Given the inherent uncertainties, the best that scientists can do is tell us the likelihood that any given carbon budget will cause any given level of warming.

The Guardian

The headteacher or maths co-ordinator needs to take on leadership of the initiative to enhance maths teaching and learning and it will be the responsibility of this person to encourage and support colleagues, monitor and discuss progress, and intervene when problems or uncertainties arise.

The Guardian

The two uncertainties are first, Scotland (of which, more below).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "uncertainties", clearly specify the areas or factors contributing to the lack of certainty to provide a more precise and informative analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertainties" in vague contexts without specifying what exactly is uncertain. Always aim to clarify the source and nature of the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uncertainties" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances or aspects of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertainties" functions as a plural noun to express doubt or lack of predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news, business, and scientific sources. To enhance clarity, always specify the sources and nature of the "uncertainties" when using the term in your writing. Avoid vagueness to ensure your analysis is precise and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unknowns

Directly refers to the aspects that are not yet known or understood.

doubts

Emphasizes the feeling of disbelief or lack of certainty.

unpredictability

Highlights the state of being impossible to foresee or anticipate.

risks

Focuses on the potential negative outcomes associated with a situation.

ambiguities

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision in a situation.

contingencies

Focuses on possible future events or circumstances that cannot be predicted with certainty.

imponderables

Indicates factors that are difficult or impossible to estimate or assess.

speculations

Highlights the act of forming theories or guesses about something without firm evidence.

variables

Emphasizes the changing factors that can affect an outcome.

conjectures

Suggests opinions or judgments based on incomplete information.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "uncertainties" in a sentence?

Use "uncertainties" to refer to situations where outcomes are not predictable or known. For instance, "The project faces several "unknowns" that could impact its success." You can also clarify the types of uncertainties, such as economic or political "risks".

What are some alternatives to using "uncertainties" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "risks", "ambiguities", "doubts", or "unknowns". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize potential negative outcomes, lack of clarity, disbelief, or simply the absence of knowledge.

Is it grammatically correct to use "uncertainties" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "uncertainties" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, formal writing may require more precise language to specify the nature and source of the uncertainties, rather than using the term in a general sense.

What is the difference between "uncertainties" and "risks"?

"Uncertainties" generally refer to situations where the outcome is unknown, while "risks" specifically imply the potential for negative consequences. All risks involve uncertainties, but not all uncertainties necessarily involve risks.