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Uncertainty in Irish (Neamhchinnteacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘neamhchinnteacht’ also means: vagueness

The Irish for uncertainty is neamhchinnteacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “uncertainty” in Irish

Irish:
neamhchinnteacht
English:
uncertainty, vagueness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“NYOWV-khin-chukht”  /ˈnʲaũˌçɪnʲtʲəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
neamhchinnteachta, na neamhchinnteachta (e.g. tréimhse neamhchinnteachta, a period of uncertainty)

What does “neamhchinnteacht” mean?

“Neamhchinnteacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

uncertainty
The state of not being sure or certain about something.Also: doubt, insecurity, unsureness.
1 other meaning: vagueness
2vagueness
The quality of being unclear, indefinite or not precisely fixed.Also: indefiniteness, indeterminacy.

Other Irish words for uncertainty: amhras (doubt), dabht (doubt), éiginnteacht (uncertainty)

“Neamhchinnteacht” with the article

Here is neamhchinnteacht after the article (an t-alt).

an neamhchinnteacht
the uncertainty
No change after an

“Neamhchinnteacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using neamhchinnteacht, the Irish word for uncertainty.

Tá neamhchinnteacht mhór faoin todhchaí.
There is great uncertainty about the future.
Chuir an neamhchinnteacht imní ar na hoibrithe.
The uncertainty worried the workers.
Is fuath liom an neamhchinnteacht seo.
I hate this uncertainty.
Bhí mothú neamhchinnteachta orm an lá sin.
I had a feeling of uncertainty that day.
Mhair an tír i neamhchinnteacht ar feadh bliana.
The country lived in uncertainty for a year.
Chruthaigh an toghchán neamhchinnteacht don ghnó.
The election created uncertainty for business.
Ní maith leis na margaí neamhchinnteacht pholaitiúil.
The markets don't like political uncertainty.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Uncertainty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for uncertainty?

The Irish for uncertainty is neamhchinnteacht (pronounced “NYOWV-khin-chukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean vagueness.

How do you pronounce neamhchinnteacht in Irish?

Neamhchinnteacht is said like “NYOWV-khin-chukht” (IPA /ˈnʲaũˌçɪnʲtʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does neamhchinnteacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for neamhchinnteacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does neamhchinnteacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Neamhchinnteacht can mean uncertainty or vagueness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between neamhchinnteacht and éiginnteacht?

Both mean uncertainty; éiginnteacht is very common in standard and technical usage, while neamhchinnteacht is also widely used, especially for vagueness or lack of certainty. The opposite of both is cinnteacht.

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