unequivocal
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnɪkwˈɪvəkəl/
US
- /ˌəniˈkwɪvəkəl/
- /ˌənɪˈkwɪvəkəl/
Description
- Clear
- Definite
- Unambiguous
Imagine a detective solving a case. They need evidence that points to only one conclusion. That's what "unequivocal" means. It describes something so clear and direct that there is no room for doubt or different interpretations. A statement is unequivocal if it leaves no real question about its meaning. If your boss says, "I want this report on my desk by 5 pm," that is an unequivocal instruction. This word is often used in professional, legal, and formal situations where complete clarity matters.
The word "unequivocal" describes something expressed, shown, or understood in a way that leaves no doubt about its meaning or intention. It is the opposite of something vague, uncertain, or open to different interpretations. When something is unequivocal, the message is plain, firm, and impossible to misunderstand.
An unequivocal answer is direct and to the point; an unequivocal commitment is firm and unwavering. You might describe evidence as "unequivocal" if it definitively proves a point—like DNA evidence at a crime scene. In political discourse, politicians often avoid being unequivocal, preferring carefully worded statements that allow for "wiggle room." But when someone delivers an unequivocal message, you know exactly where they stand.
The context of usage is important. The word can apply to anything from a simple statement ("Yes" can be an unequivocal answer) to complex legal rulings, but it often appears in situations that demand precision, such as contracts, scientific reports, or official statements. It is a strong word that emphasizes certainty and leaves no room for misunderstanding. If something is unequivocal, you do not need to read between the lines; the meaning is right there on the surface.
Examples
- 1
Direct response
Her response was unequivocal: she wasn't interested.
- 2
Union support
The union gave its unequivocal support to the strike.
- 3
Clear position
He was unequivocal about not wanting to sell the house.
Pattern
be unequivocal about + position
express it very clearly and firmly
- 4
Public apology
The company apologized in unequivocal terms after the leak.
Phrase
in unequivocal terms
using very clear, direct language
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unequivocaladjective