# ambiguous

/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ (US) · /æmbˈɪɡjuːəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ambiguous
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. having multiple meanings

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

having more than one possible meaning, which can make something difficult to understand.

For teachers: open to more than one interpretation; lacking a single, clear meaning or intention.

- The ending of the movie was ambiguous, so we spent an hour debating what actually happened.
- The contract's ambiguous wording led to a lengthy legal dispute regarding the exact responsibilities of each partner.

Usage: Often used to describe language, laws, or instructions that are poorly defined.

### 2. uncertain or hesitant

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

feeling unsure or not taking a clear side in a situation.

For teachers: characterised by uncertainty or a lack of commitment to a specific course of action.

- He remained ambiguous about which team he supported during the conflict.
- The general remained ambiguous in his loyalties, waiting to see which faction would emerge victorious before committing his troops.

Usage: In modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'ambivalent' or 'hesitant'.

## Examples

- The ending of the movie is very ambiguous.
- The manager gives ambiguous instructions, leaving the team unsure whether they should start the project immediately or wait for approval.
- Because the treaty's language regarding border disputes remains intentionally ambiguous, both nations can claim victory while deferring the actual resolution to a later date.

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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.