Word
ambiguous
Meanings
Having more than one possible meaning; unclear or open to different interpretations.
Not giving a clear decision or answer; uncertain in attitude or intention.
Definition
Ambiguous describes something that can be understood in more than one way.
If something is ambiguous, it is not clear and has two or more possible meanings. People may interpret it differently because the information is incomplete or the wording is unclear. Ambiguous language can cause confusion or misunderstandings.
Examples
- His email was ambiguous, so I wasn’t sure if the meeting was canceled.
- The instructions are ambiguous and could be interpreted in two ways.
- Her response felt ambiguous, neither a yes nor a no.
- The ending of the film is ambiguous, which is why people debate it.
- The contract language was ambiguous and caused an argument.