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

See Examples For:

clear-cut clear-cutting

The clear-cut way to get a raise is to land a new job.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

The government appears to be less clear-cut on the issue.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

“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 first argues that before Columbus discovered America in 1492 there was no clear-cut and well-established idea of discovery; the idea of discovery is, as will become apparent, a precondition for the invention of science.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

“All across California cities are getting push back from concerned citizens who refuse to accept clear-cutting their urban forest,” Hall said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2024

During the helicopter flight, we could see clear-cutting occurring within a couple of miles of the site that we were surveying and in roughly similar terrain.

From Salon ● Nov. 24, 2024

“Trees and new housing can coexist, but this should not be accomplished by clear-cutting our urban forest,” she wrote.

From Seattle Times ● May 24, 2024

And most ecologists regard degradation as the consequence of the type of large scale clear-cutting that is nearly the universal method of logging in Canada.

From New York Times ● Jan. 4, 2024

And being a very clear-cutting personality with an instinct for the material rendering of things, she also came and sat beside him on the little square-cornered sofa.

From The Research Magnificent by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

Related Words

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