# ambiguity

/ˌæmbɪɡˈjuəti/ (US) · /ˌæmbɪɡjˈuːɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ambiguity
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. unclear meaning

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being unclear because there are several possible ways to understand something.

For teachers: the quality of being open to more than one interpretation, often leading to uncertainty or confusion. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

- The ambiguity of the law makes it difficult for the police to do their jobs.
- The inherent ambiguity of the contract's termination clause led to a protracted legal dispute between the two firms.

### 2. an unclear statement

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a specific word, phrase, or action that has more than one possible meaning.

For teachers: a specific instance or expression that allows for multiple interpretations. Countable in this sense.

- The writer's use of 'it' in that sentence is a confusing ambiguity.
- The poem is famous for its deliberate ambiguities, which force the reader to consider several conflicting themes simultaneously.

## Examples

- The contract has too much ambiguity for us to sign.
- The judge asked the lawyer to remove the ambiguity from the final clause.
- Political speeches often rely on ambiguity to allow voters to project their own hopes onto vague promises.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.