How to pronounce uncertainty
Say it like un-SUR-tun-tee. Uncertainty has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce uncertainty. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- SUR
- tun
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Uncertainty pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of uncertainty
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: un-SUR-tun-tee.
What does uncertainty mean?
- being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance“the uncertainty of the outcome”“the precariousness of his income”
- the state of being unsure of something
Where does uncertainty come from?
From Middle English uncerteynte; equivalent to un- + certainty or uncertain + -ty.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying uncertainty
How do you pronounce uncertainty?
Say un-SUR-tun-tee. The American pronunciation is /ənˈsɝtənti/. In British English it is /ʌnˈsɜːtənti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in uncertainty?
Uncertainty has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: un · SUR · tun · tee.
Is uncertainty pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌnˈsɜːtənti/ (un-SUR-tun-tee).