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
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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.
In a lengthy statement, Cordeiro said he "unequivocally" opposed the plans and said he "did not accept the proposition" Fifa needed outside investors to "unlock greater value".
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
Scientists said in a study released Friday that climate change was "unequivocally" responsible for the heat that broke records in Britain, France, Spain and Switzerland, while the Netherlands issued its first-ever red alert over heat.
From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026
“We unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate, discrimination, and intolerance,” the statement said, according to a Fresno-based Fox affiliate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
“I can tell you unequivocally, this FBI is targeting and investigating no journalists,” he said.
From Salon ● May 16, 2026
I don’t know how he survived and I probably never will know, but I knew unequivocally that he was there.
From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff
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.
