ambiguous

[am-big-yoo-uhs]

adjective

1. open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations; equivocal.

   an ambiguous answer.

   Antonyms: explicit

2. Linguistics.,  (of an expression) exhibiting constructional homonymity; having two or more structural descriptions, as the sequence Flying planes can be dangerous.

3. of doubtful or uncertain nature; difficult to comprehend, distinguish, or classify.

   a rock of ambiguous character.

   Synonyms: anomalous, problematic, indeterminate, vague, dubious
   Antonyms: certain

4. lacking clearness or definiteness; obscure; indistinct: an ambiguous future.

   an ambiguous shape;

   an ambiguous future.

   Synonyms: enigmatic, puzzling
   Antonyms: unambiguous, precise, clear

ambiguous

/ æmˈbɪɡjʊəs /

adjective

1. having more than one possible interpretation or meaning

2. difficult to understand or classify; obscure

Other Word Forms

• ambiguousness noun
• ambiguously adverb
• unambiguous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambiguous¹

First recorded in 1480–1500; from Latin ambiguus, equivalent to ambig(ere) “to dispute, contend; be undecided, doubt” (from ambi- prefix meaning “both, around” + -igere combining form of agere “to drive, lead, act”) + -uus adjective suffix; ambi-; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambiguous¹

C16: from Latin ambiguus going here and there, uncertain, from ambigere to go around, from _ambi- + agere to lead, act

Synonym Study

ambiguous, equivocal, cryptic, enigmatic describe conditions or statements not clear in meaning. ambiguous can refer to a statement, act, or attitude that is capable of two or more often contradictory interpretations, usually accidentally or unintentionally so: an ambiguous passage in the preamble. equivocal, usually applied to spoken as well as written language, also means susceptible of two or more interpretations, and it usually suggests a deliberate intent to mislead by avoiding clarity: saving face with an equivocal response to an embarrassing question. cryptic usually refers to intentional obscurity, especially in language, and often implies a private or hidden meaning but stresses resultant mystification or puzzlement: a cryptic remark that left us struggling to interpret his intention. enigmatic focuses on perplexity resulting from a mysterious or imponderable event or utterance, often one of great importance or deep significance: prophetic texts so enigmatic that their meaning has been disputed for centuries.

Example Sentences

They were held incommunicado over several days and repeatedly beaten and questioned about Halimi and his recently publicized yet ambiguous work for the United States.

From Salon

According to a written response from Edison, the utility objected to the request as “vague and ambiguous.”

From Los Angeles Times

In casting Pellerin, a Quebecois actor seen in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” the filmmaker found a performer with the ability to exhibit ambiguous intentions, not a one-note villain.

From Los Angeles Times

Given the character’s ambiguous fate, this might be the only chance to nominate Ball.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, she was designed to be ethnically ambiguous for that reason, suggested Carlos Cortés, professor emeritus in history at UC Riverside, who consulted the creative team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cryptic 
• dubious 
• enigmatic 
• equivocal 
• inconclusive 
• obscure 
• opaque 
• puzzling 
• questionable 
• uncertain 
• unclear 
• vague