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.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, confirmed that the stopgap funding measure is dead and that the path forward is unclear. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 While the cause of the incident and the exact number of fatalities remains unclear, Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed there were fatalities and announced the deployment of security forces to the site to prevent further casualties and ensure safety in the aftermath. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 But nearly four years after the first Trump administration's regulations forced hospitals to post massive amounts of pricing information online, the effect on patients' costs is unclear. Julie Appleby, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024 Prosecutors originally sought 60 days of incarceration, though the sentencing remains unclear. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024 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 24 Dec. 2024.

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