ambiguous result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambiguous result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an outcome or finding that is unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Example: "The experiment yielded an ambiguous result, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

What Happens Next — The Long Version: National polls continue to point toward a highly ambiguous result.

The New York Times

These factors can interact in complicated ways; higher expected short rates may lead markets to expect less inflation, resulting in an ambiguous result for long-term yields.

The Economist

This separation became rigid, with the ambiguous result that two "truths"—truth of coherence in philosophical contexts and revealed truth were thought to coexist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We must focus our attention on its outcome and, perhaps counterintuitively, try to ensure an ambiguous result so that no side is left empty-handed.

The New York Times

The government that ousted him in 1998 flattened tax rates, liberalised the labour market, and won billions of dollars of foreign investment.Elections in June produced an ambiguous result.

The Economist

North Korea probably has the fuel for several nuclear devices, according to United States intelligence estimates, but after the ambiguous result of its one test detonation, its nuclear status remains murky.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

There are other tracking polls that show more ambiguous results.

The New York Times

An effort to upgrade the local high school has met with ambiguous results.

The New York Times

It does not have the ambiguous results shown in Mr. Ariely's study.

The New York Times

The ambiguous results of the last general election have put the Westminster system under great stress.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is also easier to automate and far less likely to produce ambiguous results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambiguous result", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors contribute to the ambiguity. Providing additional details helps the reader understand the complexity or uncertainty involved.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "ambiguous result" as definitive proof. Acknowledge the uncertainty and discuss potential interpretations rather than forcing a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguous result" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ambiguous" modifies the noun "result". It describes a result that is not clear or definite, open to multiple interpretations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambiguous result" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an outcome that lacks clarity or is open to multiple interpretations. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related discussions. When using "ambiguous result", it's important to provide sufficient context to explain the ambiguity. While alternatives like "unclear outcome" or "vague finding" exist, "ambiguous result" offers a direct and widely understood way to convey the uncertainty of a particular outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear outcome

Replaces 'result' with 'outcome', emphasizing the final consequence without clarity.

vague finding

Substitutes 'ambiguous' with 'vague' and 'result' with 'finding', suggesting a lack of precision in the discovery.

equivocal conclusion

Uses 'equivocal' to highlight the uncertainty and 'conclusion' to denote the ending point.

uncertain consequence

Replaces 'ambiguous' with 'uncertain' and 'result' with 'consequence', focusing on the doubtfulness of the aftermath.

indefinite resolution

Employs 'indefinite' to convey a lack of clarity and 'resolution' to indicate the settling of an issue.

dubious determination

Substitutes 'ambiguous' with 'dubious' and 'result' with 'determination', implying doubt about the decision or finding.

murky answer

Uses 'murky' to suggest obscurity and 'answer' as the response to a question or problem.

tenuous finding

Replaces 'ambiguous' with 'tenuous' suggesting that the finding is weakly supported.

open-ended outcome

Uses 'open-ended' to indicate that the outcome has no clear or predetermined conclusion.

inconclusive data

Substitutes 'ambiguous' with 'inconclusive', focusing on data that does not lead to a definitive result.

FAQs

How can I use "ambiguous result" in a sentence?

You can use "ambiguous result" to describe situations where the outcome or finding is not clear or has multiple possible interpretations. For example, "The experiment yielded an ambiguous result, making it difficult to draw any firm conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "ambiguous result"?

Alternatives include "unclear outcome", "vague finding", or "equivocal conclusion" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when a study has an "ambiguous result"?

An "ambiguous result" in a study means the data or findings are not conclusive, and multiple interpretations are possible. Further research or analysis may be needed to clarify the outcome.

Is it better to have a clear result than an "ambiguous result"?

Generally, a clear result is preferable as it provides definitive information. However, an "ambiguous result" can also be valuable as it highlights areas of uncertainty and motivates further investigation.