Final answer:
The best understanding of the phrase that 'The associate's statement about the company's services is ambiguous' is that the statement is unclear. It suggests that the information provided can be interpreted in various ways or doesn't convey a precise meaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "The associate's statement about the company's services is ambiguous" is best understood as 'The statement is unclear'. This indicates that the statement lacks clarity and it is not immediately evident what is being communicated.
The options provided for defining ambiguity refer to different characteristics of communication. Ambiguity typically suggests that a statement or piece of information can be interpreted in multiple ways or does not provide a clear single meaning. Thus, the correct option aligning with this understanding is (a) The statement is unclear.