nonambiguous

Nonambiguous is an adjective meaning not subject to multiple interpretations; free from ambiguity in meaning, syntax, or interpretation. It is often used as a synonym of unambiguous, though some writers prefer unambiguous as the standard term in formal contexts. The form with the prefix non- is common in technical usage, but the two terms are generally interchangeable when the goal is clarity.

In linguistics and rhetoric, a nonambiguous sentence or expression is one that yields a single interpretation given a particular context and grammar. Natural language often contains ambiguity at the levels of syntax, scope, or reference; nonambiguous constructions minimize these sources of ambiguity to support clear communication. For example: Visiting relatives can be annoying is commonly cited as ambiguous, whereas All cats are mammals is nonambiguous because it has a straightforward logical form.

In computer science and formal language theory, a nonambiguous grammar or parser is one that produces at most one parse tree for every valid sentence. This property enables deterministic parsing and predictable behavior in compilers, interpreters, and data protocols. Many programming languages and data formats strive for nonambiguous definitions to prevent conflicting interpretations.

In mathematics, logic, and standards development, nonambiguous specifications describe concepts, procedures, or criteria with precise, checkable meaning. Clarity is essential to avoid misinterpretation and ensure consistent application across users and implementers.

See also unambiguous, ambiguity, parsing. Note: in formal writing, unambiguous is often preferred, with nonambiguous appearing mainly in technical contexts or as a stylistic variant.