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 of unclear

• vague
• ambiguous

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

But the bigger question of where people can go and what Mission can continue to do is still unclear, Smith said. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2025

The details of such a plan, and even if one is actually being devised, are still unclear, but sending payments directly to consumers could be inflationary. —Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2025

Jonathan is distraught because Nancy won’t be coming with Mike to visit, and the reason is unclear. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025

Power plants can run for decades, but whether data centers will is unclear. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unclear

• unclear on the concept of

Rhymes for unclear

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir