unambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

"unambiguous" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is clear and is not open to interpretation or misunderstanding. Example sentence: The instructions were unambiguous, so there was no confusion about what to do.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I believe it is right for Britain to be unambiguous in our condemnation of Hamas's indiscriminate firing of rockets but also very forceful and outspoken about Israel.

The Guardian

He meant by this clear and unambiguous signals from the IRA that it was ceasing to be an active paramilitary force.

The Guardian

Cameron will also make clear that his tougher stance extends to unambiguous support for the democracy movement in Egypt: "I simply don't accept that there's a dead-end choice between a security state and Islamist resistance".

The Guardian

The answer to this question is an unambiguous no.

The Guardian

The gravity of Keating's speech lies in its unambiguous acknowledgment that past crimes are inextricably – practically, emotionally, symbolically – linked to present Indigenous disadvantage.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is there for Mr Hunt to talk to NewsCorp and Sky about, if - as I say - Ofcom's advice is clear and unambiguous?

The Guardian

One passage in Steve Richards' fine book on Brown suggests that, in this case, it may have been the former more than the latter, although it's not totally unambiguous: "Early in 2002 Tony Blair has told the international development secretary, Clare Short, that he would hand over to Brown if the chancellor supported him in a 'yes' campaign for the Euro.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indigenisation followed the principles formulated by Lenin in quite unambiguous terms: The proletariat cannot but fight against the forcible retention of the oppressed nations within the boundaries of a given state, and this is exactly what the struggle for the right of self-determination means.

The Guardian

The cabinet manual, which sets out the "rules of the game", must address the convention that the need for a prime minister to be in place at all times is "unambiguous", the political and constitutional reform committee said.

The Guardian

As no one can agree which of these means twice a year, and which means every two years, it's best not to use them at all; "twice a year" or "every two years" are unambiguous.

The Guardian

"My big worry is that with the enormous pressure on health and social care budgets over the next few years, all of the momentum we have built on mental health could be lost unless there is a clear and unambiguous commitment to extra resources for the NHS".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, choose "unambiguous" to indicate a complete absence of doubt or multiple interpretations. This is particularly useful in legal, technical, or instructional contexts where clarity is paramount.

Common error

While "unambiguous" is a strong descriptor, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler words like "clear" or "obvious" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "unambiguous" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a lack of ambiguity or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is considered correct for use in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to describe clear and unequivocal statements or signals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unambiguous" is a versatile adjective used to describe something clear and free from multiple interpretations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English, particularly in News & Media. While interchangeable with terms like "unequivocal" or "explicit", it's best to avoid overusing "unambiguous" in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "clear" or "obvious". According to Ludwig's analysis, the primary function is to ensure clarity, and its usage indicates a register leaning toward neutral or professional communication. Given its clear purpose and frequent appearance in reliable sources, "unambiguous" remains a valuable tool for precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocal

Replaces "unambiguous" with a term emphasizing a lack of possible misinterpretation or doubt.

clear-cut

Uses a more informal phrase implying that something is easily defined and understood, like a clean cut.

explicit

Focuses on the thorough and clear expression of something, leaving no room for vagueness.

distinct

Highlights the clear and easily identifiable nature of something, making it stand out without confusion.

definite

Indicates a firm and certain quality, leaving no room for questioning or alteration.

precise

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness, removing any potential for misinterpretation through detailed information.

patent

Emphasizes the obviousness and readily apparent nature of something.

straightforward

Conveys ease of understanding and lack of complications.

plain

Suggests simplicity and lack of ornamentation, making something easy to understand.

certain

Indicates assurance and freedom from doubt, emphasizing the reliability of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "unambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "unambiguous" to describe something that is clear and leaves no room for misinterpretation. For example, "The instructions were "unambiguous", making the process easy to follow."

What are some alternatives to "unambiguous"?

Alternatives to "unambiguous" include "unequivocal", "explicit", or "clear-cut", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the message was unambiguous"?

Yes, "the message was unambiguous" is grammatically correct. It means the message was clear and could not be misunderstood.

What's the difference between "unambiguous" and "ambiguous"?

"Unambiguous" means clear and not open to more than one interpretation, while "ambiguous" means unclear and open to multiple interpretations. They are antonyms.