Equivocation

Pronunciation: /ɪkwɪvəˈkeɪʃən/

Equivocation (noun)

  1. Using unclear or double meanings in speech so you can avoid giving a clear answer.
  2. A way of speaking that hides your real meaning, often to escape blame or commitment.
  3. In reasoning, using a statement that can be understood in more than one way, weakening the argument.

Examples

  • Her equivocation made the instructions unclear.
  • The report used equivocation, so the meaning stayed unclear.