equivocal | equivocation | unequivocal

If you are ‘equivocal’ then you are uncertain or vague. That ambiguity can lead to the misinterpretation of something you have said, or people deriving differing meanings from it. Sometimes this is done deliberately as a tactic to avoid telling the truth or making a difficult decision.

1. The politician’s statement was deliberately equivocal because she did not want to either confirm or deny the rumours.

2. I don’t want to see any equivocation in your decision making. We cannot afford any confusion or indecision.

3. The boss was totally unequivocal about what he wanted, so everybody knew what they were supposed to be doing.