What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uncertain
Example
I am uncertain about which college to attend. [uncertain: adjective]
Example
The weather forecast is uncertain for tomorrow. [uncertain: adjective]
ambiguous
Example
The instructions were ambiguous and caused confusion. [ambiguous: adjective]
Example
The meaning of the poem was ambiguous and open to interpretation. [ambiguous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncertain is more commonly used than ambiguous in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. Ambiguous is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, where precision and clarity are essential.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between uncertain and ambiguous?
While uncertain can be used in both formal and informal contexts, ambiguous is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its use in technical or academic writing.
