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

But despite being praised for its stringent gun laws, the reality in Australia is not clear-cut.

From BBC

Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, said usually a merger like this would be a "clear-cut case for a challenge", typically pushing for better terms for consumers.

From BBC

It’s more of a clear-cut — he’s struggling a bit.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike clear-cut export controls, these disguised measures are harder to manage and pose escalatory risks.

From The Wall Street Journal

To be sure, a Roth conversion isn’t a clear-cut yes for every household.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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