English · Adjectives
ambiguous
/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/
[/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/]
open to interpretation
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Having more than one possible meaning, so that it is unclear which interpretation is intended.
Example
The instructions were so ambiguous that half the class did the assignment completely wrong.
The instructions were so ambiguous that half the class did the assignment completely wrong.
Etymology
From Latin 'ambiguus' (doubtful), from 'ambigere' (to wander about).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in academic, legal, and critical contexts where precision matters.