Difference Between Risk and Uncertainty (with Comparison Chart)

In our day to day life, there are many circumstances, where we have to take risks, which involves exposure to lose or danger. Risk can be understood as the potential of loss. It is not exactly same as uncertainty, which implies the absence of certainty of the outcome in a particular situation. There are instances, wherein uncertainty is inherent, with respect to the forthcoming events, i.e. there is no idea, of what can happen next.

So, in short, risk describes a situation, in which there is a chance of loss or danger. Conversely, uncertainty refers to a condition where you are not sure about the future outcomes.

We use the terms risk and uncertainty in a single breath, but have you ever wondered about their difference. Well, this article might help you in understanding the difference between risk and uncertainty, take a read.

Content: Risk Vs Uncertainty

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Risk	Uncertainty
Meaning	The probability of winning or losing something worthy is known as risk.	Uncertainty implies a situation where the future events are not known.
Ascertainment	It can be measured	It cannot be measured.
Outcome	Chances of outcomes are known.	The outcome is unknown.
Control	Controllable	Uncontrollable
Minimization	Yes	No
Probabilities	Assigned	Not assigned

Definition of Risk

In the ordinary sense, the risk is the outcome of an action taken or not taken, in a particular situation which may result in loss or gain. It is termed as a chance or loss or exposure to danger, arising out of internal or external factors, that can be minimised through preventive measures.

In the financial glossary, the meaning of risk is not much different. It implies the uncertainty regarding the expected returns on the investments made i.e. the probability of actual returns may not be equal to the expected returns. Such a risk may include the probability of losing the part or whole investment. Although the higher the risk, the higher is the expectation of returns, because investors are paid off for the additional risk they take on their investments. The major elements of risk are defined as below:

Systematic Risk: Interest Risk, Inflation Risk, Market Risk, etc.
Unsystematic Risk: Business Risk and Financial Risk.

Definition of Uncertainty

By the term uncertainty, we mean the absence of certainty or something which is not known. It refers to a situation where there are multiple alternatives resulting in a specific outcome, but the probability of the outcome is not certain. This is because of insufficient information or knowledge about the present condition. Hence, it is hard to define or predict the future outcome or events.

Uncertainty cannot be measured in quantitative terms through past models. Therefore, probabilities cannot be applied to the potential outcomes, because the probabilities are unknown.

Key Differences Between Risk and Uncertainty

The difference between risk and uncertainty can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

The risk is defined as the situation of winning or losing something worthy. Uncertainty is a condition where there is no knowledge about the future events.

Risk can be measured and quantified, through theoretical models. Conversely, it is not possible to measure uncertainty in quantitative terms, as the future events are unpredictable.

The potential outcomes are known in risk, whereas in the case of uncertainty, the outcomes are unknown.

Risk can be controlled if proper measures are taken to control it. On the other hand, uncertainty is beyond the control of the person or enterprise, as the future is uncertain.

Minimization of risk can be done, by taking necessary precautions. As opposed to the uncertainty that cannot be minimised.

In risk, probabilities are assigned to a set of circumstances which is not possible in case of uncertainty.

Conclusion

There is an old saying, “No risk, No gain”, so if any enterprise wants to survive in the long run, it has to take calculated risks where the probability of loss is comparatively less, and the chances of gains are higher. Uncertainty is inherent in every business which cannot be avoided, and the business person has no idea about what will happen next, i.e. the outcome is unknown.

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