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

No Fault’s pointed ambivalence demands that readers recalibrate their expectations for a memoir written by a woman who chose divorce over a man. —Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025

Hence the ambivalence predominantly female audiences feel toward this figure. —Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025

Trump's admiration for Putin, coupled with his ambivalence toward NATO, sent mixed signals to both allies and adversaries during his first presidency. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Trump's apparent ambivalence toward TikTok puts him squarely at odds with numerous leaders who, on nearly every other matter, align themselves with him. —Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for ambivalence

• equivalence

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