highly ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement or situation that is open to more than one interpretation and is not clear. For example, "The company's response to the crisis was highly ambiguous, leading to confusion among workers about their rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is also highly ambiguous.

The Guardian

Language, under these conditions, is a highly ambiguous business.

The Guardian

His record on Europe was highly ambiguous, so both sides claimed him as their own.

The Guardian

On the spectrum of Chinese dissent, Han holds a commanding but highly ambiguous position.

The New Yorker

Yet while some single Chinese people were celebrating their status, others felt highly ambiguous about it.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Its ambivalent exploration of appetite and satiety – and its highly ambiguous conclusion – make it a horribly disquieting read.

The Guardian - Books

We see the gloomy aftermath first, which makes the colonial setting of the second half a highly ambiguous paradise.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the highly ambiguous correspondence was in no way a formal treaty, and disagreements on several points persisted unresolved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the agreement was in the form of a highly ambiguous deal that seemed unlikely to bridge the deep divide that lies behind the politically charged case.

The New York Times

It counseled against Supreme Court intervention in "essentially matters of state law" that are still "unresolved or highly ambiguous" by the time they reach the court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If something is "highly ambiguous", follow up with possible interpretations or implications to guide your reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "highly ambiguous" as a vague critique without specifying why something is unclear. Instead of simply labeling it ambiguous, elaborate on the conflicting interpretations or missing information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly ambiguous" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun it describes is characterized by a significant lack of clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this expression is commonly used to describe situations open to multiple interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly ambiguous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys a significant lack of clarity or precision. As verified by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. To use the phrase effectively, provide ample context to guide readers. When you need alternatives, consider options like "extremely vague" or "very unclear", depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "highly ambiguous" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very unclear

Highlights the absence of clarity or understanding.

extremely vague

Emphasizes the lack of detail and precision.

deeply uncertain

Focuses on the lack of sureness or predictability.

terribly equivocal

Emphasizes the open to multiple interpretations nature.

quite indefinite

Suggests a lack of specific limits or boundaries.

remarkably undefined

Indicates a lack of clear definition or boundaries.

incredibly obscure

Highlights the hidden or not easily discovered nature.

rather dubious

Implies a sense of doubt or questionability.

exceptionally cryptic

Stresses the hidden or obscure nature.

utterly perplexing

Indicates a state of complete bewilderment or confusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly ambiguous" to describe something that is open to multiple interpretations and lacks clarity. For example, "The politician's statement on the matter was "highly ambiguous", leaving voters unsure of their stance."

What are some alternatives to saying "highly ambiguous"?

Alternatives to "highly ambiguous" include "extremely vague", "very unclear", or "deeply uncertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "highly ambiguous" or provide a clear explanation?

In most cases, providing a clear explanation is preferable to being "highly ambiguous". Clarity helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that your message is effectively communicated. However, strategic ambiguity can sometimes be used to navigate sensitive situations.

What makes something "highly ambiguous"?

Something is "highly ambiguous" when it can be understood in multiple ways due to a lack of clarity, specific details, or context. This can result from vague language, conflicting information, or a lack of explicit definition.