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

However, by Monday morning officials said many more people were aboard than listed, and that the number of people still missing was unclear after 229 people were rescued and five bodies recovered. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Now, even after scrapping his divisive investment project, his support remains unclear at best. — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Whether Szoboszlai was under orders from Iraola on Wednesday night is unclear. — James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

The boat’s origin of departure is unclear at this time, according to a Coast Guard spokesperson. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 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