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

Quarterback Bart Starr threw two interceptions and took his lumps from the Lions' pass rush; the finer statistical details are unclear, but he was probably sacked at least 10 times. —Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

While details regarding which sport Meador coached remain unclear, both Meador and Turner worked at the high school at the same time together, The Post reported. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Nov. 2025

His current condition is unclear. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Whether this is a seasonal bump, prompted by the government shutdown, or another post-Covid gain in new fliers is unclear. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 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