unambiguous

"Unambiguous" is a straightforward word with essentially one core meaning, but it appears in a few different contexts worth knowing. It is the opposite of "ambiguous" — so if you know that word, you are already halfway there!

1adjectiveclear and certain

When something is unambiguous, it has only one possible meaning or interpretation — there is no room for confusion or doubt. Think of a red traffic light: it means 'stop', nothing else. That is unambiguous. Compare it to a vague instruction like 'do it soon' — that could mean many things, so it is ambiguous.

everyday language, law, science · Modern, widely used

The contract was unambiguous: the rent must be paid on the first of every month.

Her answer was unambiguous — she said 'no' clearly and firmly.

The safety instructions need to be unambiguous so that nobody makes a dangerous mistake.

2adjectivefigurativeleaving no doubt about someone's feelings or intentions

You can also use 'unambiguous' to describe a person's attitude, message, or signal when it is completely obvious what they mean or feel. There is no guessing involved.

everyday language, communication · Modern, widely used · figurative

The crowd gave an unambiguous show of support, cheering loudly for the entire speech.

His unambiguous disapproval of the plan made everyone in the room uncomfortable.

She sent an unambiguous message by walking out of the meeting without saying a word.