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.
The cause of the collision is unclear, and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025 There were multiple fatalities, but the precise number of victims is unclear as rescue crews continue to search for survivors, The Associated Press reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors. Lolita C. Baldor, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025 But how those tariffs will be implemented — and when — is unclear. Courtenay Brown, Axios, 30 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near unclear

Cite this Entry

“Unclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclear. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unclear

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