Definition of “Unclear”

“Unclear” is an adjective that describes something that is not easily understood, ambiguous, vague, or lacking clarity. It can refer to statements, ideas, instructions, or situations that are confusing, difficult to comprehend, or open to multiple interpretations.


Synonyms for “Unclear”

Strongest Matches (Exact Synonyms)

  • Vague
  • Ambiguous
  • Obscure
  • Indistinct
  • Incomprehensible
  • Confusing
  • Cryptic

Strong Matches (Similar in Meaning)

  • Equivocal
  • Nebulous
  • Uncertain
  • Doubtful
  • Garbled
  • Muddled
  • Hazy
  • Blurry
  • Enigmatic

Weak Matches (Contextually Related)

  • Misleading
  • Baffling
  • Puzzling
  • Unintelligible
  • Unresolved
  • Tentative
  • Undefined
  • Foggy

Example Sentences Using “Unclear”

  1. The professor’s explanation was unclear, leaving students confused about the assignment.
  2. It remains unclear whether the policy will be implemented next year.
  3. The instructions were so unclear that nobody knew how to complete the task properly.
  4. His handwriting was unclear, making it difficult to read the note.
  5. The witness gave an unclear account of what happened during the incident.

Contextual Usage of “Unclear”

In Business & Communication

  • “The company’s strategy for the next quarter remains unclear, causing uncertainty among investors.”

In Legal & Formal Writing

  • “Due to the unclear wording of the contract, disputes arose between both parties.”

In Everyday Conversations

  • “It’s unclear if she will be attending the party or not.”

In Scientific & Technical Writing

  • “The results of the study were unclear, requiring further research to draw conclusions.”

Related Words and Phrases

  • Lack of clarity
  • Lack of transparency
  • Poorly defined
  • Hard to grasp
  • Open to interpretation
  • Uncertain meaning

Additional Information

Unclear vs. Confusing: “Unclear” refers to something lacking clarity, while “confusing” suggests something that causes confusion or is difficult to follow.

Unclear vs. Ambiguous: “Ambiguous” implies multiple possible interpretations, whereas “unclear” simply means not easy to understand.

Unclear in Different Contexts:

  • In health: “The symptoms were unclear, making diagnosis difficult.”
  • In education: “Her explanation was unclear, leading to questions from the students.”
  • In politics: “The government’s stance on the issue remains unclear.”

Disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational and reference purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, meanings and usages of words may vary based on context and region. Always consult a dictionary or linguistic expert for precise definitions and applications.