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

In certain respects, though, Lachlan Murdoch’s behavior suggests some ambivalence about his role at News Corp. —David Hamilton, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2023

Several party leaders predicted that even voters who voice ambivalence about Biden will ultimately be animated to vote against the Republican choice, especially if that choice is Trump. —Colby Itkowitz, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023

None of them challenge that convention, yet Wilson is alert to the ambivalence in their stoicism. —Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023

Like their father, this next generation of Arriaga storytellers demonstrate the ability to capture an engrossing ambivalence without easy answers. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023

Among secular swimmers, there is also an ambivalence about whether this kind of solution fosters a fusion of lifestyles or enshrines their segregation. —Gabby Sobelman, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2023

Where did Ona’s ambivalence about fertility and motherhood come from? —Allison Armijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2023

Yet the mutiny, during which no one seemed to rally around Putin, also exposed the extent of public ambivalence toward the regime. —Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023

Still, Lacy’s total ambivalence toward his sexuality is radical in its own way. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Aug. 2023

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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

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