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

Chernyshov traveled with the Sharks to Ottawa late Saturday night, but his status for Sunday’s game against the Senators is unclear. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026

The victim still has not been publicly identified and the circumstances surrounding their death remain unclear. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Just how that will work is unclear, Ashwell said. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026

Someone, unclear whether a man or a boy, is seen fallen on the pavement and people quickly gathered around him, then carried him away to seek help. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 14 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