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

While the source of the mass mailers sent to Texas households over transgender issues remains unclear, CBS News Texas has identified more clues as to who exactly is behind them. — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The policy update, applicable to all reservations booked on or after November 20, is designed to streamline the Airbnb experience after a slew of customer complaints about unclear house rules and laborious demands by property hosts. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Today, whether social media – and its impact on young attention spans – will have a lasting impact on who constitutes this narrow reading class long-term is as yet unclear. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026

Oswald, however, said nurses are unclear on what the merger would mean for them. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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