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 the audience unsure of his true intentions. [ambiguity: noun]
Example
The word 'bank' has ambiguity as it can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river. [ambiguity: noun]
vagueness
Example
The instructions were vague, and I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. [vague: adjective]
Example
The speaker's response was full of vagueness, avoiding a direct answer to the question. [vagueness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vagueness is more commonly used in everyday language than ambiguity. Vagueness can be seen as a weakness in communication, while ambiguity is often used in literature or poetry to create multiple interpretations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambiguity and vagueness?
Ambiguity is often associated with a more formal tone, while vagueness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
