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.

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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

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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

“The cases we finally choose to expose are the absolute worst of the worst—the ones with egregious, clear-cut misconduct,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

While there is no clear-cut way to determine conclusively whether a stock is the most overbought stock in history, here’s what the numbers suggest about Sandisk.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

The messy reality is that the line between establishment, moderate, and progressive isn’t always so clear-cut.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026

That refusal to cast anyone as a clear-cut villain is something critics have highlighted in their reviews.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

There are clear-cut winners at talent shows—just like there were at the athletic competitions.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

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