Ambiguous

Ambiguous describes something open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning; unclear or inexact. It often leads to uncertainty or confusion due to the lack of a single, definitive understanding. The ambiguity can arise from vague language, conflicting information, or a situation's inherent complexity. Often, context is crucial to resolve the ambiguity. Analyzing all available evidence and considering the possible interpretations is critical for understanding. The term highlights a deliberate lack of clarity or unintended obscurity.

Ambiguous meaning with examples

• The politician's statement was deliberately ambiguous, allowing him to appeal to multiple groups without committing to a specific policy position.
• Her response to the question was so ambiguous that I couldn't tell if she agreed with the proposal or was strongly against it.
• The instructions for assembling the furniture were ambiguous, leading to hours of frustration and several incorrectly placed screws.
• The ending of the movie was ambiguous, leaving the audience to debate the protagonist's fate long after the credits rolled.
• The contract's clauses were ambiguous, and the lawyers found that this resulted in a long and costly legal dispute later on.