Inklingo
← Dictionary

incertidumbre

in-ser-tee-DOOM-breh/inseɾtiˈðumbɾe/

“incertidumbre” means “uncertainty” in Spanish (a state of not knowing what will happen).

uncertainty

Also: doubt, suspense
NounfB1
A traveler standing at a fork in a path in a foggy forest, looking at two different directions.

📝 In Action

Hay mucha incertidumbre sobre el resultado del partido.

A2

There is a lot of uncertainty about the game's result.

La incertidumbre económica preocupa a las familias.

B1

Economic uncertainty worries families.

Afrontamos el futuro con optimismo a pesar de la incertidumbre.

B2

We face the future with optimism despite the uncertainty.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • generar incertidumbre – to cause uncertainty
  • despejar la incertidumbre – to clear up the uncertainty
  • un clima de incertidumbre – a climate of uncertainty

Idioms & Expressions

  • un mar de incertidumbre – a situation where everything is extremely unclear

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "incertidumbre" in Spanish:

doubt→suspense→uncertainty→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: incertidumbre

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the uncertainty'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cierto(true/certain) — Adjective
incierto(uncertain) — Adjective
certidumbre(certainty) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'incertitudo'. It combines the prefix 'in-' (not) with 'certus' (sure/settled) and the suffix '-umbre' which is used to turn adjectives into names for concepts.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: uncertaintyFrench: incertitude

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'incertidumbre' formal?

It is neutral. You can use it with friends when talking about your future, but it's also very common in serious news reports.

What's the difference between 'duda' and 'incertidumbre'?

A 'duda' is usually a specific question or a choice between two things. 'Incertidumbre' is a larger, more general feeling of not knowing what is coming next.

Are all '-umbre' words feminine?

Yes! Common words like 'costumbre' (habit), 'muchedumbre' (crowd), and 'cumbre' (peak) are all feminine.