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

The sequel could use a lot more of her ambivalence towards the character. —A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

The Vatican’s new classifications make possible such expressions of ambivalence. —Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Fast forward to 1999, when the TV series South Park captured the dark side of this ambivalence as only satire can. —Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

In a 2002 interview with The Times, Katt expressed ambivalence about chasing success in Hollywood. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 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