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 Donohue, the attorney for Souls to the Polls, said that is unclear. Daniel Bice, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024 The girl’s relatives initiated the welfare check, according to the lawsuit, but the details about their concerns are unclear. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for unclear 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unclear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 12 May. 2024.

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!