ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s 

1

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

felt ambivalence toward his powerful father

ambivalence toward marriage

2

a

: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)

b

: uncertainty as to which approach to follow

ambivalence about their goals

Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It could be considered a sign of ambivalence toward her mirror image, or the body image created through internalizing the gaze of the other. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2025

But its centerpiece tracks march from ambivalence to … a different kind of ambivalence. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025

Among the remaining respondents, 38% expressed opposition, and 26% expressed ambivalence toward this proposal. —Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025

The controversial decision entrenches China in one of Israel's most strategic locations and reflects the continuing ambivalence of countries toward the Chinese Communist Party. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ambivalence

• equivalence

Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s 

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion

—G. S. Blum

ambivalent

-lənt 

adjective

ambivalently adverb