ambiguity

American  

[am-bi-gyoo-i-tee] / ˌæm bɪˈgyu ɪ ti /

noun

plural

ambiguities

1. doubtfulness or uncertainty of meaning or intention.

   to speak with ambiguity;

   an ambiguity of manner.

   Synonyms:

   deceptiveness, vagueness

   Antonyms:

   clarity, explicitness

2. an unclear, indefinite, or equivocal word, expression, meaning, etc..

   a contract free of ambiguities;

   the ambiguities of modern poetry.

   Synonyms:

   equivocation

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ambiguity British  

/ ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the possibility of interpreting an expression in two or more distinct ways

2. an instance of this, as in the sentence they are cooking apples

3. vagueness or uncertainty of meaning

   there are several ambiguities in the situation

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Other Word Forms

• nonambiguity noun

Etymology

Origin of ambiguity

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English ambiguite, from Latin ambiguitās, equivalent to ambigu(us) ambiguous ( def. ) + -itās -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

This ambiguity is, at least partly, by design.

From BBC

Some are shocked by the admission that he invented aspects of his mentor’s past for his article, while others think the ambiguity is exactly what Thomas would have wanted.

From The Wall Street Journal

In conflict zones, this ambiguity is particularly pronounced.

From Salon

Israel has maintained a policy of ambiguity about its nuclear programme, and the plant officially focuses on research.

From Barron's

Now 71, he offers advice that suggests a leader who was often worried but never timid; at moments of ambiguity, he says, “try simply acting like you’re in charge,” which is just what he did.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• doubt
• uncertainty
• vagueness