Ambiguous

Definition

Ambiguous is an adjective meaning (1) open to more than one interpretation; having a double or uncertain meaning; or (2) unclear because a choice between alternatives has not been made or is not specified. In rhetoric it can overlap with “equivocal,” sometimes implying deliberate vagueness.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/
• Respelling: am-BIG-yoo-uhs

British English

• IPA: /æmˈbɪɡjʊəs/
• Respelling: am-BIG-yoo-uhs

Etymology

Late 16th century: from Latin ambiguus “uncertain, going in two ways,” from ambigere “to go around, waver, dispute,” from ambi- “both, around” + agere “to drive, lead.”

Derivatives

• ambiguity (noun) — the quality of having multiple possible meanings
• ambiguously (adverb) — in an ambiguous way
• unambiguous (adjective) — having only one clear meaning
• unambiguously (adverb) — in a way that is clear and single-meaning
• ambiguousness (noun; rare) — state of being ambiguous

Synonyms

• equivocal
• unclear
• vague
• indeterminate
• obscure
• open to interpretation
• cryptic

Antonyms

• clear
• explicit
• definite
• unequivocal
• unambiguous

Usage

Adjective: “The supervisor’s ambiguous instructions led to different interpretations.” / “The ending is deliberately ambiguous, inviting viewers to debate what happened.” / “He gave an ambiguous answer that could be taken either as support or criticism.”

Related Terms

• Ambiguity: The phenomenon of multiple possible meanings; can be lexical (word-level) or structural (sentence-level).
• Equivocation: Intentional use of ambiguous language to mislead.
• Vagueness: Indeterminacy due to lack of precision rather than multiple discrete meanings.
• Polysemy: A single word having several related meanings.
• Amphiboly/Amphibology: Ambiguity arising from sentence structure.
• Double entendre: A phrase with two meanings, typically one risqué or humorous.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Open to more than one interpretation — language or symbols permitting multiple readings.
  • Example: “The clause ‘fast drivers only’ is ambiguous: does it mean skilled drivers or those who drive quickly?”
• Unclear or inexact due to unresolved alternatives — a situation or plan lacking a single definite course.
  • Example: “The company’s ambiguous roadmap left investors unsure about priorities.”
• (Often of attitude or signals) Mixed or equivocal — conveying more than one, possibly conflicting, implication.
  • Example: “Her ambiguous smile suggested both approval and doubt.”