What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
explicit
Example
The instructions were explicit and easy to follow. [explicit: adjective]
Example
She made it explicit that she wanted the report done by Friday. [explicit: adjective]
unambiguous
Example
The message was unambiguous and left no room for confusion. [unambiguous: adjective]
Example
The terms of the contract were unambiguous and clearly defined. [unambiguous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Explicit is more commonly used than unambiguous in everyday language. Explicit is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unambiguous is more specific and often used in technical or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between explicit and unambiguous?
Unambiguous is generally considered more formal than explicit. It is often used in technical or legal writing where precision and clarity are essential.
