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

For these materials providers, the analog opportunity is perhaps the most clear-cut.

From MarketWatch

YouTube, along with Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook, also offers ways to reduce the amount of synthetic imagery their users encounter, but gives no clear-cut filter.

From Barron's

It feels good to have a clear-cut schedule again.

From Literature

In New York little over five years ago, it was a clear-cut case.

From BBC

The answer that “it depends” may not be the clear-cut response that people are seeking.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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