What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambiguity
Example
The politician's statement was full of ambiguity, leaving many unsure of his true intentions. [ambiguity: noun]
Example
The word 'bank' has multiple meanings and can lead to ambiguity in certain contexts. [ambiguity: noun]
indeterminacy
Example
The outcome of the election is still in indeterminacy, as the votes are still being counted. [indeterminacy: noun]
Example
The concept of beauty is often subject to indeterminacy, as it varies from person to person. [indeterminacy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ambiguity is more commonly used than indeterminacy in everyday language, especially in the context of communication and language studies. Indeterminacy is more technical and often used in philosophy, mathematics, or science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambiguity and indeterminacy?
Indeterminacy is more formal than ambiguity, as it is often used in technical or academic contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.