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

• 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

What’s unclear is whether Staley even really wanted the Knicks job. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025

And many of the particulars of the deal are still unclear, with the White House yet to release a term sheet or publish any proclamation codifying the agreement. —Akayla Gardner, Fortune, 4 July 2025

Whether legislators will have the chance to vote for any of these bills is unclear. —Kevin R. Kosar, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025

Mercedes remains linked to Red Bull's Max Verstappen — leading to Russell's future becoming increasingly unclear. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 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