ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s 

1

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

felt ambivalence toward his powerful father

ambivalence toward marriage

2

a

: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)

b

: uncertainty as to which approach to follow

ambivalence about their goals

Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite differences about wartime strategy, Israelis of all backgrounds shared an ambivalence about the decision to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees. —Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025

Beyond the contract, other issues also have led to Butler’s increasing ambivalence toward remaining with Miami. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025

Any ambivalence over the United man’s size has been eliminated in recent weeks. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

What was less common in Buckley’s thought was ambivalence. —Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s 

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion

—G. S. Blum

ambivalent

-lənt 

adjective

ambivalently adverb