unclear

adjective

un·​clear ˌən-ˈklir How to pronounce unclear (audio)
: 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.
How travel insurance policies will be impacted by the shutdown is unclear. Rob Wile, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025 The origin of the videos are unclear. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025 The cause of the explosion remains unclear. Bonny Chu , Landon Mion , Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025 Unlike weather delays or short-term crew shortages, these cuts are expected to last until staffing is restored — a timeline that remains unclear. Josh Rivera, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 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 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unclear

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