unequivocally
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is clear and unambiguous.
The theme is unequivocally religious.
-
in a way that is not subject to conditions or exceptions.
He offered his forgiveness unequivocally.
Etymology
Origin of unequivocally
First recorded in 1690–1700; un- 1 ( def. ) + equivocally ( def. )
Explanation
Ideas that are presented unequivocally are given clearly, without causing doubt and confusion. At your lecture, you presented facts and charts, speaking unequivocally about the dangers of global warming. The adverb unequivocally strengthens the ideas in a statement as true and easy to understand. The word can be traced to the Latin aequivocus, meaning "ambiguous." The addition of the prefix "un" turns the meaning around to "not equivocally." Economist John Kenneth Galbraith once said, "All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time."
Vocabulary lists containing unequivocally
Into the Wild
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week In Words: November 2–8, 2019
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Warriors Don't Cry
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many state officials say the answer is unequivocally yes.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
“I can tell you unequivocally, this FBI is targeting and investigating no journalists,” he said.
From Salon • May 16, 2026
"I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned," Modi wrote on X.
From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026
"You unequivocally feel it more there than anywhere else. It does strange things to you, that arena."
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
Here were two of the unequivocally original patriarchs, declaring that their respective understandings of the Revolution’s legacy concerning slavery were fundamentally different.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
