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

Even in arenas where Means has received less scrutiny, her ideas present a serious risk to the American public, experts caution, without having the sort of clear-cut benefits that she promises.

From Salon

The issue isn’t clear-cut cases of misinformation or harmful subject matter going unflagged in the absence of content moderation.

From Salon

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

Related Words

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