die Verunsicherung
Translation
uncertainty, insecurity, unease, confusion
Examples
Die Nachricht sorgte für große Verunsicherung.
The news caused great uncertainty.
Es herrscht eine allgemeine Verunsicherung in der Bevölkerung.
There is a general sense of insecurity among the population.
Grammar Patterns
to cause ((sth.acc)) The news caused great uncertainty.
uncertainty ((among sb.dat)) The uncertainty among investors is high.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Unsicherheit, der Zweifel; Antonyms: die Sicherheit, die Gewissheit
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating a change) + 'unsicher' (insecure) + '-ung' (noun suffix). Literally 'the state of making insecure'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ver-' as making something 'un-sicher' (un-sure). The '-ung' suffix turns it into a noun.