Ambiguous means when something is not clear or it has more than one possible meaning.

When to use it

Native English speakers use 'ambiguous' when they want to describe something that has more than one possible meaning or interpretation. This can refer to a word, phrase, or statement that is unclear or open to multiple interpretations. It can also refer to a situation, behavior, or outcome that is uncertain, unclear, or confusing. For example, a sentence like "I saw her duck" can be ambiguous, as it is unclear whether the person saw the woman lower her head or saw a duck that belongs to her.

Example sentences

  1. The wording of the contract was ambiguous and caused confusion among the parties involved.
  2. The politician's statement was intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for different interpretations.
  3. The instructions for the project were ambiguous and led to mistakes being made.
  4. The expression on her face was ambiguous, making it difficult to tell what she was thinking.
  5. The meaning of the poem was ambiguous, leaving the reader to form their own interpretation.
  6. The tone of his message was ambiguous, making it hard to determine if he was being sincere or sarcastic.
  7. The results of the study were ambiguous and inconclusive, requiring further research.
  8. The language used in the legal document was intentionally ambiguous, making it hard to dispute in court.
  9. The painting's subject matter was deliberately ambiguous, sparking debate among art critics.
  10. The message he sent was intentionally ambiguous, allowing him to deny any wrongdoing later on.

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Reference:

Ambiguous Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
AMBIGUOUS meaning: 1 : able to be understood in more than one way having more than one possible meaning; 2 : not expressed or understood clearly
Definition of AMBIGUOUS
doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness; inexplicable; capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways… See the full definition