unclear

adjective

un·​clear ˌən-ˈklir How to pronounce unclear (audio)
Synonyms of unclearnext
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since the study is observational, whether the gut microbiome findings were causing bowel issues or whether abnormal bowel function changed the gut microbiome is unclear, Preidis said. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 For most of these crashes, the database is also unclear on whether the drivers violated traffic laws. Willoughby Mariano, ProPublica, 8 June 2026 Whether subpoenas ultimately become necessary remains unclear. Nik Popli, Time, 8 June 2026 The timetable for those returns remains unclear, and the Royals continue to have plenty of other issues to navigate. Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclear

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclear was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclear. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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