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

Two polls found public ambivalence about DOGE, and four showed opposition against it outpacing support. —Louis Jacobson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

But work can produce ambivalence — especially when there’s a mismatch between self-perception and how others perceive one’s role. —Iese Business School, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

All of this ambivalence—of Lucy’s moral stance, her standards, her belief in love—is what viewers must contend with. —Myisha Battle, Time, 20 June 2025

Viewers also meet the activists who are now trying to overcome that ambivalence and craft a new era of caregiving policy. —Kat McGowan, NPR, 20 June 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