ambiguous

adjective

am·​big·​u·​ous am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs 

1

a

: doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness

eyes of an ambiguous color

b

: inexplicable

2

: capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways

an ambiguous smile

an ambiguous term

a deliberately ambiguous reply

ambiguously adverb

ambiguousness noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ambiguous have the same meaning as unclear?

Both ambiguous and unclear can describe something that is difficult to understand because it is not shown or expressed clearly. However, ambiguous most often describes something that is unclear specifically because it can be understood in more than one way, or because it has more than one possible meaning.

What is the difference between ambiguous and ambivalent?

The Latin prefix ambi-, meaning "both," begins both ambiguous and ambivalent. Ambivalent relates to multiple and contradictory feelings (the second portion of this word comes from the Latin valēre, meaning "to be strong, be effective, have worth"). Ambiguous, on the other hand, often describes something with several possible meanings that create uncertainty. The -ig- in ambiguous comes ultimately from Latin agere ("to drive, to lead"); paired with ambi-, it suggests movement in two directions at once, and hence, a wavering or uncertainty.

What is the noun form of ambiguous?

Ambiguous is an adjective. The noun form related to this word may be either ambiguity or ambiguousness. The adverb is ambiguously.

Synonyms

• arcane
• cryptic
• dark
• deep
• Delphic
• double-edged
• elliptical
• elliptic
• enigmatic
• enigmatical
• equivocal
• fuliginous
• inscrutable
• murky
• mysterious
• mystic
• nebulous
• obscure
• occult
• opaque

Choose the Right Synonym for ambiguous

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable.

obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Examples of ambiguous in a Sentence

Greater familiarity with this artist makes one's assessment of him more tentative rather than less. His best pictures exude a hypersensitive, ambiguous aura of grace. —Peter Schjeldahl, New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2003

He seeks sources for the speech's ideas in Lincoln's ambiguous stance toward organized religion, in the sermons of preachers he listened to, and in his Bible-reading habit. —Gilbert Taylor, Booklist, 15 Dec. 2001

In Mexico we follow the fraught, ambiguous journey of a Tijuana cop … caught between the ruthless, corrupt general … he works for and the DEA, which wants him to inform on his countrymen. —David Ansen, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2001

Physicians could manipulate reimbursement rules to help their patients obtain coverage for care that the physicians perceive to be necessary, for example, through ambiguous documentation or by exaggerating the severity of patients' conditions. —Michael K. Wynia et al., Journal of the American Medical Association, 12 Apr. 2000

We were confused by the ambiguous wording of the message.

He looked at her with an ambiguous smile.

Due to the ambiguous nature of the question, it was difficult to choose the right answer.

the ambiguous position of women in modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

Chevron gave the regulators a wide berth when the underlying laws were ambiguous. —Sam Baker, Axios, 17 July 2024

The exemption is also ambiguous – who qualifies as a non-serious violent offender? —Harriet Marsden, theweek, 12 July 2024

The practical impact of Loper Bright is that a legal challenge to whichever way the NLRB decides could face better odds if the challenger credibly contends the statutory language is ambiguous. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 June 2024

Yet where the original hinged on overt moral judgments, Breillat’s version strips much of that away, allowing the story to unfold in a more ambiguous—and distinctly unsettling—manner. —Elissa Suh, Vogue, 28 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin ambiguus "unresolved, hesitating in mind, of uncertain outcome, having more than one possible meaning, untrustworthy" (from ambigō, ambigere "to dispute, be undecided, call in question, be in doubt" —from amb- "around, about, on both sides" + agere "to drive [cattle], be in motion, do perform"— + -uus, deverbal adjective suffix) + -ous — more at ambient entry 1, agent

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

ambiguous

adjective

am·​big·​u·​ous am-ˈbig-yə-wəs 

: able to be understood in more than one way

ambiguously adverb

ambiguousness noun

Etymology

from Latin ambiguus "ambiguous," from ambigere "to be undecided," from ambi "around, both," and agere "to drive, do" — related to act, agent