>ambiguous: Open to multiple interpretations. >-[ambiguous - Wiktionary, the free dictionary](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ambiguous#English) Ambiguity is a state of not *knowing*, where things are unclear or where many things can be true at once. When different parts of an organization use the same word to mean different things, the actual definition is ambiguous. Much of IA practice involves investigating and teasing out and describing things that are beneath the surface, or hazy, or constantly in flux. We’re looking at systems that have grown organically, and often no one knows all the edges of the system. IAs are the ones that are supposed to provide structure to these structureless things, and that involves a lot of living with questions, and anxiety, and feeling like a failure. But we push through that and we question and we create models and we look for evidence and eventually we get to something that feels like an answer. To develop as an information architect, you have to develop a comfort with ambiguity. Wrestling with ambiguity is part of the process. Getting comfortable with ambiguity – while not being satisfied with it – is an essential professional skill. Fighting against ambiguity and “making the unclear clear” is the work of an IA.