incertidumbre

uncertainty

noun een-sehr-tee-DOOM-breh Rare

Origin: From Latin incertus ('uncertain') + -dumbre, a suffix forming abstract nouns.

Usage Note

Incertidumbre is the preferred formal term for the state of not knowing; la duda implies a specific doubt, while incertidumbre suggests a broader, more prolonged state of uncertainty. It pairs naturally with ante la incertidumbre ('in the face of uncertainty') and generar incertidumbre ('to create uncertainty'). The plural incertidumbres is used to list distinct areas of uncertainty.

Examples

"La incertidumbre económica afecta a muchas familias."

Natural Translation

Economic uncertainty affects many families.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish Accent Marks: 3 Rules for Every Word

A Spanish word needs an accent mark in just three cases: it breaks the default stress, it's a homophone, or a weak vowel splits off. Here are all three rules.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read