What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambivalency
Example
She felt ambivalent about the job offer since it required moving to a new city. [ambivalent: adjective]
Example
His ambivalency towards the relationship made her unsure of his commitment. [ambivalency: noun]
indecision
Example
Her indecision about which college to attend caused her stress. [indecision: noun]
Example
He was indecisive about whether to accept the job offer or not. [indecisive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indecision is more commonly used than ambivalency in everyday language. Indecision is a more straightforward term that is used to describe a temporary state of uncertainty or hesitancy. Ambivalency is a less common term that is used to describe a more complex state of having mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes towards something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambivalency and indecision?
Both ambivalency and indecision are formal words that are used in academic or professional contexts. However, ambivalency may be considered more formal due to its complexity and less frequent use in everyday language.
