clear-cut

American  

[kleer-kuht, kleer-kuht] / ˈklɪərˈkʌt, ˈklɪərˌkʌt /

Also clear cut,

adjective

1. formed with or having clearly defined outlines.

   a face with clear-cut features.

   Synonyms:

   definite, positive, precise, crisp, chiseled

2. unambiguously clear; completely evident; definite.

   His sale of secrets was a clear-cut example of treachery.

3. of or relating to a section of forest where all trees have been cut down for harvesting.

---

noun

1. a section of forest where all trees have been cut down for harvesting.

verb (used with object)

clear-cut, clear-cutting

1. to fell all the trees in (a section of forest) for harvesting.

clear-cut British  

adjective

1. definite; not vague

   a clear-cut proposal

2. clearly outlined

---

verb

1. (tr) another term for clear-fell

Other Word Forms

• clear-cutness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of clear-cut

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Clear-cut rules need to be communicated and for now it looks like things are being addressed for 2025.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2024

Clear-cut chances were rare as neither side managed a shot on target in the opening period until Porro broke the deadlock with his first goal since joining Spurs in January.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2023

Clear-cut understandings of who’s a hero and who’s a villain fly — like a bird, like a plane, or like a Superman — out the window.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2022

Clear-cut opportunities were at a premium in the first half, though, as City failed to muster a shot on target.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2021

Only the tree-tops bare    Crowning the hill, Clear-cut in perfect air,    Warn us that still p. 42Winter, the aged chief,    Mighty in power, Exiles the tender leaf,    Exiles the flower.

From The Scarlet Gown being verses by a St. Andrews Man by Murray, Robert F. (Robert Fuller)

Related Words

• categorical
• definitive
• explicit
• obvious
• precise
• pronounced
• specific
• straightforward
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• well-defined