ambivalence

UK: /æmˈbɪvələns/ US: /æmˈbɪvələns/ ,(am biv′ə ləns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

am•biv•a•lence /æmˈbɪvələns/  also am•biv′a•len•cy, n. 

[uncountable]
1. uncertainty or indecision, esp. when caused by the inability to make a choice or by a desire to say or do two opposite things at the same time.

am•biv•a•lent, adj. 
am•biv•a•lent•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

am•biv•a•lence  (am biv′ə ləns), n. 

1. uncertainty or fluctuation, esp. when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things.
2. Psychology the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing him or her in opposite directions.

Also, am•biv′a•len•cy. 

• ambi- + valence 1910–15

am•biv′a•lent, adj. 
am•biv′a•lent•ly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

ambivalence / æmˈbɪvələns/, ambivalency noun

1. the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc

amˈbivalent adjective