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

The scale of the issue is unclear. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 29 Mar. 2026

Whether the Houthis will extend their attacks to Saudi Arabia or Red Sea shipping remains unclear, but doing so would mark a dramatic escalation of the month-long war. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026

Researchers attempted radiocarbon dating but got unclear results. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026

The role of the over 5,000 troops is currently unclear, but their deployment has raised fears the United States may be looking to launch ground operations in Iran. —Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026

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