1
Multiple meanings
Allowing a word, phrase, or statement to be understood in more than one way.
Example
Because the treaty never defined ‘territory,’ its central provision remained ambiguous.
ambiguous
/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ · am-BIG-yoo-uhsadjective
Open to more than one reasonable interpretation.
Use ambiguous when language, evidence, or an outcome permits multiple meanings and does not settle which one is intended.
What ambiguous Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Uncertain evidence
Supporting more than one conclusion because the available information is not decisive.
Example
The ambiguous result could indicate either contamination or a calibration error.
3
Deliberate openness
Withholding a single interpretation so that readers or viewers must consider alternatives.
Example
The ending is deliberately ambiguous and supports several interpretations.
Use ambiguous Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The regulation was ambiguous about whether digital records counted as written evidence.
The ending is deliberately ambiguous and supports several interpretations.
Because the signal appeared only once, its significance remained ambiguous.
Precision Matters
Ambiguous overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
ambiguous
vs.Allows two or more identifiable interpretations.
vague
Lacks enough detail or precision.
ambiguous
vs.May be accidental or deliberate.
equivocal
Often suggests deliberate avoidance of a firm position.
ambiguous
vs.Can be understood in several plausible ways.
obscure
Is difficult to understand or little known.
ambiguous
vs.Describes language, evidence, or situations.
ambivalent
Describes a person with conflicting feelings.
Test ambiguous in Context
The undefined phrase permits several reasonable interpretations.
1
Because the agreement used the term ‘reasonable access’ but never defined how much access was required, the provision remained ambiguous.
As used in the text, “ambiguous” most nearly means…