# ambivalent

/æmˈbɪvəɫənt/ (US) · /æmbˈɪvələnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ambivalent
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. having mixed feelings

adjective · CEFR B2

having two different feelings about something at the same time, which makes it hard to choose or decide.

For teachers: simultaneously experiencing or expressing opposing or contradictory feelings, beliefs, or motivations regarding a single object or situation.

- He felt ambivalent about his new job because the pay was great but the hours were long.
- The public remains ambivalent about the proposed legislation, acknowledging the potential economic benefits while fearing the environmental consequences.

Usage: Commonly followed by the preposition 'about'.

## Examples

- I feel ambivalent about my new job.
- She remained ambivalent about moving to the city, as she loved the career opportunities but hated the noise.
- The public's ambivalent reaction to the proposed legislation reflected a deep-seated tension between the desire for increased security and the protection of individual privacy rights.

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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.