This article presents a study on the development in the theory and application of the Z-numbers, since its inception in 2011. The review covers: a) formalization of Z-number based mathematical operators, b) role of Z-numbers in Computing With Words, decision-making and trust modeling, c) application of Znumbers in real-world problems like multisensor data fusion, dynamic controller design, safety analytics and natural language understanding, d) brief comparison with conceptually similar paradigms, and e) some potential areas of future investigation. The paradigm currently has at least four extensions to its definition multidimensional Z-numbers, parametric Z-numbers, hesitant-uncertain linguistic Z-numbers and Z*-numbers. The Z-numbers have also been used in conjunction with rough sets and granular computing for enhanced uncertainty handling. While, this decade has seen a plethora of theoretical initiatives towards its growth, there remains major work-scope in the direction of practical realization of the paradigm. Some challenges yet unresolved are: a) automated translation of (imprecise, sarcastic, and metaphorical) linguistic expressions to their Z-number forms, b) discernment of probability-possibility distributions to map realworld situations under consideration, c) analysis of linguistic equivalents of Z-operator results to intuitive human responses, d) the endogenous arousal of belief in intelligent agents, and e) analysis of biases embedded in expert-belief values that are primary inputs to Z-number based expert systems. After a decade of the Z-numbers, the paradigm has proved to be of use in expertinput based decision-making systems and initial value problems. Its applicability in high-risk, high-precision areas like deep sea exploration and space science, remains unexplored. have also been used in conjunction with rough sets and granular computing for enhanced uncertainty handling. While, this decade has seen a plethora of theoretical initiatives towards its growth, there remains major work-scope in the direction of practical realization of the paradigm. Some challenges yet unresolved are: a) automated translation of (imprecise, sarcastic, and metaphorical) linguistic expressions to their Z-number forms, b) discernment of probability-possibility distributions to map realworld situations under consideration, c) analysis of linguistic equivalents of Z-operator results to intuitive human responses, d) the endogenous arousal of belief in intelligent agents, and e) analysis of biases embedded in expert-belief values that are primary inputs to Z-number based expert systems. After a decade of the Z-numbers, the paradigm has proved to be of use in expertinput based decision-making systems and initial value problems. Its applicability in high-risk, high-precision areas like deep sea exploration and space science, remains unexplored.