unclear

British  

/ ʌnˈklɪə /

adjective

1. not clear or definite; ambiguous

---

Other Word Forms

• unclearly
  adverb
• unclearness
  noun

Explanation

When something's unclear it's hard to see or understand. If the directions for assembling your new desk are unclear, you might end up with two upside-down drawers and a handful of unused nuts and bolts. If you don't explain something accurately, it will be unclear to the person who's trying to understand. And when a photograph is badly out of focus, it's also unclear — you can't quite see the details. You can also use this adjective for the feeling that results in these situations: "I'm unclear about exactly who's in this photo and why you wanted me to see it."

Example Sentences

Carden also said that it’s unclear how Monday’s announcement differs from an end-to-end logistics framework, Supply Chain by Amazon, that the company introduced in 2023, let alone what the current announcement would mean for freight.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Still, businesses are turning more cautious as it remains unclear when the Middle East situation will be resolved and analysts warn that it will take time for markets to normalize.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The Lakers had their own weapon at the free-throw line, but it’s unclear when Luka Doncic might return from injury.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

The overall impact of the changes -- alongside a Supreme Court ruling limiting race-based redistricting -- remains unclear.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

The origins of ironworking in sub-Saharan Africa soon after 1000 B.C. are still unclear.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• ambiguous
• confused
• fuzzy
• hazy
• imprecise
• obscure
• uncertain
• unsettled
• unsure
• vague