Uncertainty Glossary

Browse 9 uncertainty terms defined in plain English, from the cultural dictionary of computing.

9 Uncertainty Terms

Bayesian Neural Network
A neural network that models uncertainty by treating weights or predictions probabilistically rather than deterministically. It influences how models are...
Compile and Pray
A joking phrase for making a change and then hoping compilation or the build pipeline will reveal whether it worked. In engineering slang, compile and pray...
Conformal Prediction
A framework for producing prediction sets or intervals with statistical coverage guarantees under stated assumptions. It influences how models are trained,...
Gaussian Process
A nonparametric Bayesian model that defines distributions over functions and provides calibrated uncertainty estimates. It influences how models are trained,...
Uncertainty
A measure or acknowledgment of how unsure an AI system is about an answer, prediction, or decision. Handling uncertainty well is important because systems...
Uncertainty Estimation
Techniques used to estimate how uncertain a model is about its outputs or predictions. Uncertainty estimation is useful for deciding when to escalate to...
Uncertainty Quantification
The formal measurement and expression of uncertainty in model outputs, predictions, or system behavior. Uncertainty quantification is important in high-stakes...
Unknown Unknown
A risk or factor you do not even know exists yet, making it impossible to plan for directly. In engineering slang, unknown unknowns are why humility matters in...
Version Roulette
A situation where versions are chosen, upgraded, or combined with too little predictability to trust the outcome. In engineering slang, version roulette is...

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