is not unequivocal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not unequivocal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is ambiguous or not clear-cut in meaning or interpretation. Example: "The results of the study are not unequivocal, leaving room for further research to clarify the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The picture painted by the artist and record label executives is not unequivocal, but it is very close to it.

TechCrunch

Radial access (palmar arch) should be preferred in children even if the validity of the Allen test is not unequivocal.

Annals of Intensive Care

Moreover, it is proved that the relation between the magnitude and width of the loss factor peak is not unequivocal; either proportionality or inverse proportionality may exist between them.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

However, the interpretation of the data from high-fat diets is not unequivocal.

Plosone

First, there is not unequivocal support for the monophyly of a large clade including loons, grebes, penguins, procellariforms, and tropicbirds.

Plosone

In this context, the demonstration of whether or not MSC can differentiate into neurons is not unequivocal.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Robert Christgau in a review for The Village Voice felt that "she [Madonna] doesn't speak for the ordinary teenaged stiff any more", adding that the "antiabortion content of 'Papa Don't Preach' isn't unequivocal, and wouldn't make the song bad by definition if it were, the ambiguity is a cop-out rather than an open door, which is bad".

Wikipedia

Yet the radicals' victory was not unequivocal.

The Economist

Despite the lopsided vote in favor of the bill, support for it was not unequivocal.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Arafat's periodic instructions for a cease-fire were not unequivocal.

The New York Times

Though Judge Jackson accepted the remedy plan put together by the federal and state governments, his endorsement was not unequivocal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not unequivocal", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is ambiguous. Provide supporting details to explain the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "is not unequivocal" in situations where simpler phrases like "is not clear" or "is uncertain" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying nuanced ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not unequivocal" functions as a qualifier, expressing that a statement, evidence, or conclusion lacks definiteness or certainty. It indicates ambiguity or the possibility of multiple interpretations. Ludwig's examples show it used across various scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not unequivocal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that something lacks definiteness or clarity. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, it indicates the presence of ambiguity or multiple possible interpretations. The alternative phrases offer different shades of meaning, from simple uncertainty to deliberate ambiguity. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context to clarify the source and nature of the ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a nuanced tool best suited for formal and scientific discourse where precise qualification is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not definite

Replaces "unequivocal" with "definite", implying a lack of certainty or precision.

is not unconditional

Substitutes "unequivocal" with "unconditional", suggesting that certain conditions apply.

is not unquestionable

Replaces "unequivocal" with "unquestionable", indicating that something can be questioned or doubted.

is not incontrovertible

Substitutes "unequivocal" with "incontrovertible", meaning it's not definitively proven and can be argued against.

is not categorical

Replaces "unequivocal" with "categorical", implying that it's not a clear and absolute statement.

is not explicit

Substitutes "unequivocal" with "explicit", suggesting a lack of directness or clarity.

is not clear

Uses a simpler term, "clear", to indicate a lack of clarity or certainty.

is not indisputable

Replaces "unequivocal" with "indisputable", meaning it's not irrefutable and can be challenged.

is not univocal

Replaces "unequivocal" with "univocal", meaning it does not have a single, clear meaning.

is not absolute

Substitutes "unequivocal" with "absolute", indicating that something is not certain or without exceptions.

FAQs

What does "is not unequivocal" mean?

The phrase "is not unequivocal" means that something is not clear, definite, or absolute. It indicates the presence of ambiguity or uncertainty.

How can I use "is not unequivocal" in a sentence?

You can use "is not unequivocal" to describe evidence, results, or interpretations that are not clear-cut or have multiple possible meanings. For example, "The evidence for this claim "is not unequivocal", requiring further investigation."

What can I say instead of "is not unequivocal"?

You can use alternatives like "is not definite", "is not clear", or "is uncertain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between saying something "is not unequivocal" and saying it "is equivocal"?

Yes, saying something "is not unequivocal" implies a lack of complete clarity or certainty, but doesn't necessarily mean it's actively misleading. Saying something "is equivocal" suggests it's deliberately ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations, often with the intent to deceive.