# equivocal

/ɪˈkwɪvəkəɫ/ (US) · /ɪkwˈɪvəkəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/equivocal
Updated: 2026-10-01

## Definition

not clear or having more than one possible meaning. You use this to describe something that is confusing because it could be understood in different ways.

For teachers: open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous or uncertain in nature. Often describes language or evidence that fails to lead to a single, definite conclusion.

## Examples

- His answer was equivocal and left us feeling confused.
- The results of the medical test were equivocal, so the doctor ordered a second round of screening to be sure.
- The diplomat's equivocal response allowed both nations to claim a small victory, though it did little to resolve the underlying tension of the border dispute.

## Synonyms

ambiguous, vague, unclear, obscure

## Antonyms

unequivocal, clear, unambiguous, plain

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was equivocal about to go" but "He was equivocal about going" — When followed by a preposition, the gerund (-ing) form is required rather than the infinitive.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'remain', or 'seem'.

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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.