ambiguous situation

USAGE SUMMARY

'ambiguous situation' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that is not clear or that can be interpreted in more than one way. For example, "The lack of evidence made it difficult to determine the cause of the accident, making it an ambiguous situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It was an ambiguous situation.

The New Yorker

In general, a geisha's ambiguous situation was the source of her power.

The New Yorker

Ukraine's large Russian minority found itself in an ambiguous situation in the postindependence years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This politically ambiguous situation continued until July, when the MPRP parliamentary group leader, Doloonjongiyn Idevhten, expelled the DP members.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, in a legally ambiguous situation, the governor has permitted his attorney general to challenge the legality of the efforts of Atlantic City's responsible and courageous public officials.

The New York Times

"We know that people's emotional states affect their judgements and that happy people are more likely to judge an ambiguous situation positively," Mendl said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Budner (1962) defines intolerance of ambiguity as "the tendency to perceive ambiguous situations as sources of threat" and tolerance of ambiguity as the tendency to "perceive ambiguous situations as desirable" [ 1].

BMC Family Practice

Tolerance of ambiguity, or the extent to which ambiguous situations are perceived as desirable, is an important component of the attitudes and behaviors of medical students.

BMC Family Practice

In a similar manner, a negative feedback loop may operate for students with a low ambiguity tolerance, as they may tend to avoid ambiguous situations and thus become even less tolerant [ 5].

BMC Family Practice

"The brain doesn't like ambiguous situations," Camerer said to me.

The New Yorker

The movie is about his judgment of ambiguous situations; he embodies survival itself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "ambiguous situation", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the nature and source of the ambiguity. Specify what aspects are unclear or open to multiple interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "ambiguous situation" as a vague descriptor. Instead, clarify what makes the situation ambiguous. For example, instead of just saying "It was an ambiguous situation", explain: "The contract terms were unclear, making it an ambiguous situation regarding liability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguous situation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a scenario characterized by uncertainty or multiple possible interpretations. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's used to denote situations lacking clear definition. The phrase often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, providing context to actions or decisions made within the specified circumstance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambiguous situation" is a commonly used phrase to describe scenarios characterized by uncertainty or multiple possible interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various domains. It appears most frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to clarify the source and nature of the ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "equivocal situation" or "uncertain circumstances" to fine-tune the meaning. Avoid using it as a vague descriptor; instead, specify what makes the situation ambiguous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivocal situation

Focuses on the possibility of multiple interpretations or meanings.

uncertain circumstances

Highlights the lack of clarity and predictability surrounding the circumstances.

vague scenario

Emphasizes the lack of definiteness and precision in the outlined events.

unclear state of affairs

Draws attention to the lack of understanding and transparency.

dubious predicament

Suggests a situation with questionable or uncertain prospects.

tenuous position

Implies a fragile and unstable situation with uncertain outcomes.

murky context

Highlights the obscure and confusing nature of the background conditions.

indefinite case

Underscores the lack of defined boundaries or clear resolution.

open to interpretation

Focuses on the subjective nature and potential for diverse understandings.

unresolved matter

Highlights the lack of a clear decision or conclusion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ambiguous situation" in a sentence?

To effectively use "ambiguous situation", ensure you provide enough context so your audience understands the specific source of the ambiguity. Avoid vagueness by clearly stating what aspects of the situation are unclear or open to multiple interpretations.

What phrases can I use instead of "ambiguous situation"?

You can use alternatives like "equivocal situation", "uncertain circumstances", or "vague scenario" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ambiguous situation" or "unclear situation"?

Both "ambiguous situation" and "unclear situation" are acceptable, but "ambiguous situation" implies the possibility of multiple interpretations, while "unclear situation" simply suggests a lack of clarity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are some common causes of an "ambiguous situation"?

Common causes of an "ambiguous situation" include incomplete information, conflicting reports, poorly defined terms, or events that are open to multiple interpretations. Identifying the cause can help clarify the situation.