Ambiguous vs. Vague — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
Ambiguous refers to something having multiple interpretations or meanings. Vague refers to something that is unclear or not precisely defined.
Difference Between Ambiguous and Vague
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Ambiguous" means that something can have multiple meanings or interpretations, often making it confusing or open to misunderstanding.
In contrast, "Vague" means that something lacks clarity or is too general, making it hard to understand what is being conveyed.
An ambiguous statement might have multiple valid meanings but is not necessarily unclear.
A vague statement, on the other hand, lacks sufficient detail to be clear, although it usually has only one intended meaning.
In essence, ambiguous situations are complex due to multiplicity, while vague situations are unclear due to insufficient information or detail.
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Comparison Chart
Interpretation
Multiple possible meanings
Generally one unclear meaning
Clarity
May be clear but confusing
Lacks clarity
Context Dependency
Context may resolve ambiguity
Context may not add clarity
Precision
Specific but multi-interpreted
Unspecific and imprecise
Complexity
Usually more complex
Usually simpler but unclear
Compare with Definitions
Ambiguous
In law, ambiguous refers to text open to multiple interpretations.
The ambiguous clause led to legal disputes.
Vague
Vague means unclear or indistinct.
His directions were vague and unhelpful.
Ambiguous
Ambiguous means having more than one meaning.
The sentence I saw her duck is ambiguous.
Vague
Vague can mean lacking detail.
Her description was vague and general.
Ambiguous
Ambiguous can mean uncertain or doubtful.
His ambiguous smile left me puzzled.
Vague
Vague can describe imprecise plans or intentions.
Her plans for the future were vague.
Ambiguous
In mathematics, ambiguous refers to multiple valid solutions.
The equation was ambiguous with two solutions.
Vague
In law, vague refers to a lack of specificity in legal texts.
The law was criticized for being vague.
Ambiguous
Ambiguous can describe unclear visual signals.
The ambiguous painting left viewers intrigued.
Vague
Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning
Many patients suffer vague symptoms
Ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation
An ambiguous reply.
Vague
Not clear in meaning or expression; inexplicit.
Ambiguous
Doubtful or uncertain
"The theatrical status of her frequently derided but constantly revived plays remained ambiguous" (Frank Rich).
Vague
Not thinking or expressing oneself clearly
"Most of us are quite vague about the theoretical underpinnings of the medical theories that guide our doctors" (Kwame Anthony Appiah).
Ambiguous
Open to multiple interpretations.
The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
Vague
Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct
Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog.
Ambiguous
Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
Vague
Indistinctly felt, perceived, understood, or recalled; hazy
A vague uneasiness.
Ambiguous
Doubtful or uncertain, particularly in respect to signification; capable of being understood in either of two or more possible senses; equivocal; as, an ambiguous course; an ambiguous expression.
What have been thy answers? What but dark,Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding?
Vague
Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms.
Ambiguous
Open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead;
An equivocal statement
The polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
The officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness
Popularity is an equivocal crown
An equivocal response to an embarrassing question
Vague
Not having a precise meaning.
A vague term of abuse
Ambiguous
Having more than one possible meaning;
Ambiguous words
Frustrated by ambiguous instructions, the parents were unable to assemble the toy
Vague
Not clearly defined, grasped, or understood; indistinct; slight.
Only a vague notion of what’s needed
A vague hint of a thickening waistline
I haven’t the vaguest idea.
Ambiguous
Having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns;
An ambiguous situation with no frame of reference
Ambiguous inkblots
Vague
Not clearly felt or sensed; somewhat subconscious.
A vague longing
Vague
Not thinking or expressing one’s thoughts clearly or precisely.
Vague
Lacking expression; vacant.
Vague
Not sharply outlined; hazy.
Vague
Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.
Vague
(obsolete) A wandering; a vagary.
Vague
An indefinite expanse.
Vague
(archaic) to wander; to roam; to stray.
Vague
To become vague or act in a vague manner.
Vague
To make vague negative comments publicly; to make highly veiled complaints or insults.
Vague
Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.
She danced along with vague, regardless eyes.
Vague
Unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition.
This faith is neither a mere fantasy of future glory, nor a vague ebullition of feeling.
The poet turned away, and gave himself up to a sort of vague revery, which he called thought.
Vague
Proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report.
Some legend strange and vague.
Vague
An indefinite expanse.
The gray vague of unsympathizing sea.
Vague
A wandering; a vagary.
Vague
To wander; to roam; to stray.
Vague
Not clearly understood or expressed;
An obscure turn of phrase
An impulse to go off and fight certain obscure battles of his own spirit
Their descriptions of human behavior become vague, dull, and unclear
Vague...forms of speech...have so long passed for mysteries of science
Vague
Not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished;
An undefined term
Undefined authority
Some undefined sense of excitement
Vague feelings of sadness
A vague uneasiness
Vague
Lacking clarity or distinctness;
A dim figure in the distance
Only a faint recollection
Shadowy figures in the gloom
Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog
A few wispy memories of childhood
Vague
Vague can refer to something not clearly felt or sensed.
He had a vague sense of unease.
Common Curiosities
What does Ambiguous mean?
Ambiguous refers to having multiple meanings or interpretations.
What does Vague mean?
Vague refers to a lack of clarity or precision.
Can Ambiguous statements be clear?
Yes, they can be clear but have multiple valid meanings.
Are Vague statements always unclear?
Yes, vagueness inherently implies a lack of clarity.
Is Ambiguity always bad?
Not necessarily, it can be used for rhetorical or artistic effect.
Is Vagueness always bad?
Generally, vagueness is avoided for clear communication.
Is Ambiguity common in law?
Yes, and it often leads to various interpretations.
Can context resolve Vagueness?
Usually, vague statements need more detail for clarity.
Is Vagueness simpler?
Vague statements are often simpler but lack clarity.
Can Vagueness exist in mathematics?
Mathematics aims for precision, making vagueness rare.
Can context resolve Ambiguity?
Often, context can make an ambiguous statement clear.
Is Vagueness common in law?
Laws strive for clarity, but vagueness can lead to loopholes.
Can Ambiguous and Vague be used interchangeably?
While related, they refer to different types of unclear communication.
Can Ambiguity exist in mathematics?
Yes, equations can sometimes have multiple valid solutions.
Is Ambiguity more complex?
Usually, it involves more complexity due to multiple meanings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
