unclear

adjective

un·​clear ˌən-ˈklir How to pronounce unclear (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the answers are unclear or the topic changes, walk away immediately. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025 The extent of the mom’s injuries is unclear. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 What Happens Next The status of the claims within the department remains unclear. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 The political motivations behind these attacks are still unclear, but one study says that violence from the left has been the greater threat so far this year. October 22, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unclear

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclear was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclear. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unclear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!