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

• fuzzy
• indefinite
• inexplicit
• muzzy
• vague

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

The charges against Adams were unclear as the indictment remained sealed last night, the New York Times and Fox News reported, both citing sources with knowledge of the matter. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

According to The New York Times, which first reported the news, the indictment is sealed as of the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 25, so the charges remain unclear. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024

The charges remain unclear, as the indictment reportedly remained sealed as of Wednesday night. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024

The total number of workers who will be affected was unclear as of Tuesday. —Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unclear

• unclear on the concept of