Word
unambiguous
Phoneticsun·am·bigu·ous
US/ˌənæmˈbɪɡjəwəs/
UK/ʌnæmbˈɪɡjuːəs/
Definition
adj. clear and easy to understand. You use this to describe something that does not have any hidden meanings or confusing parts.
adj. clearly expressed or defined; leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. Often used to describe language, signals, or instructions that are precise and direct.
Examples
“The instructions are very unambiguous.”
“The manager gave unambiguous instructions that everyone must leave the building immediately.”
“The legal document was written with such unambiguous language that even the most skeptical lawyer could not find a loophole to challenge the contract.”
Examples
simple
“The instructions are very unambiguous.”
contextual
“The manager gave unambiguous instructions that everyone must leave the building immediately.”
complex
“The legal document was written with such unambiguous language that even the most skeptical lawyer could not find a loophole to challenge the contract.”
Real-World Examples
“The poem is known for containing the first unambiguous literary reference to Robin Hood.” “The White House said: "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.” “Yet, by bringing Alaska within range, the new test is an unambiguous game-changer in both symbolical and practical terms.” “If every single object and concept had its own unique word, then language is completely unambiguous – but the vocabulary is huge.” Etymology
From un- + ambiguous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unambiguous