uncertainty

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something. uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result <assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty>. doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision <plagued by doubts as to what to do>. dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions <felt some dubiety about its practicality>. skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence <an economic forecast greeted with skepticism>. suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone <regarded the stranger with suspicion>. mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion <had a great mistrust of doctors>.