unclear

adjective

un·​clear ˌən-ˈklir 

: not clear: such as

a

: difficult to understand

an unclear explanation

unclear instructions

an unclear reference

b

: confused or uncertain about something

—often used with about

was a little unclear about how to proceed

unclearly adverb

speaking unclearly

an unclearly remembered incident

Synonyms

• fuzzy
• indefinite
• inexplicit
• muzzy
• vague

Examples of unclear in a Sentence

their suggestion for correcting the problem is a bit unclear

obtained at best an unclear glimpse of the rarely seen bird from across the road

Recent Examples on the Web

The new study demonstrates an association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer but not causation – and what exactly drives that association remains unclear, according to Rimel of Cedars-Sinai. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 17 July 2024

Whether they were intended to cause a significant blast effect and hurt people or if they were designed to create smoke, fire and a low-grade blast for a diversion is unclear. —Pierre Thomas, ABC News, 17 July 2024

The circumstances behind the fatal car crash are unclear. —Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

Whether Lara sticks with the family business after Nov. 5 remains unclear. —Maeve Reston, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unclear

• unclear on the concept of