Unclear: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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unclear

 

[ หŒสŒnหˆklษชษ™r ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

in communication

Not easy to understand or define.

Synonyms

ambiguous, obscure, vague.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unclear

This word is commonly used when information or instructions are not easily understood. It highlights a lack of clarity.

  • The directions on this map are unclear
  • His explanation was unclear, making it hard to follow
ambiguous

This is used when something can be understood in more than one way, leaving room for multiple interpretations.

  • The ending of the movie was ambiguous
  • Her message was ambiguous, so I wasn't sure what she meant
vague

Use this word when details are not specific enough, making it hard to understand or leaving doubt.

  • Her plans for the weekend were vague
  • The company's policy guidelines were too vague
obscure

This word generally means something is difficult to understand because it is not well known or is hidden. Often, it implies that additional effort is needed to understand it.

  • The poet often used obscure references in his work
  • The details of the contract were obscure, making it hard to comprehend

Examples of usage

  • It was unclear what he meant by his statement.
  • The instructions were unclear and confusing.
Context #2 | Adjective

in vision

Not clear or distinct; hazy.

Synonyms

blurry, fuzzy, indistinct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unclear

Used when something is not fully understood or is confusing. Often relates to information, instructions, or communication that lacks clarity.

  • The instructions were unclear, so I didn't know how to assemble the furniture
  • Her intentions are unclear; I don't know what she really wants
blurry

Refers to something that is not sharply defined, typically in relation to vision or images. It is often used to describe a visual impression or photograph that lacks focus.

  • Without my glasses, everything looks blurry
  • The photo came out blurry because the camera moved
fuzzy

Often used to describe something that is not clear or sharp in texture or appearance. It can also refer to indistinct thoughts or memories.

  • The TV screen was fuzzy, making it hard to watch
  • My memories of that day are a bit fuzzy
indistinct

Used to describe something that is not clear enough to be recognized or understood, often relating to sounds, shapes, or outlines.

  • The voices in the background were indistinct and hard to make out
  • The shape of the object was indistinct in the fog

Examples of usage

  • The view from the top of the mountain was unclear due to the fog.
  • Her future plans were still unclear.
Context #3 | Adverb

in speech

In a way that is not clear or obvious.

Synonyms

ambiguously, obscurely, vaguely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unclear

When something is not easy to understand or see, often because of a lack of information or a complex nature. Itโ€™s a common term used in everyday speech.

  • The instructions were unclear
  • It is unclear what the author meant
vaguely

When something is not clearly expressed or defined, often because of a lack of detail. It can be used in both casual conversation and more formal contexts.

  • He vaguely remembered the incident
  • She described the place vaguely, making it hard to find
ambiguously

When something can be understood in more than one way and it's intentionally or unintentionally confusing. Often used in literature, legal texts, and everyday situations where multiple interpretations are possible.

  • She answered ambiguously, leaving everyone confused
  • The law was written ambiguously, causing different interpretations
obscurely

When something is hidden, not well-known, or hard to understand due to its complexity or an intentional effort to conceal. Itโ€™s often used in academic or literary contexts.

  • The old manuscript was written obscurely, making it hard to decipher
  • He spoke obscurely about the topic, so few understood

Examples of usage

  • She spoke quickly and somewhat unclearly.
  • He answered the question rather unclearly.

Translations

Translations of the word "unclear" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น nรฃo claro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคธเฅเคชเคทเฅเคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unklar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tidak jelas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะทั€ะพะทัƒะผั–ะปะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ niejasny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธๆ˜Ž็ขบใช (ใตใ‚ใ„ใ‹ใใช)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท peu clair

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ poco claro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท belirsiz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถˆ๋ช…ํ™•ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบูŠุฑ ูˆุงุถุญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nejasnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nejasnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธๆธ…ๆฅš (bรน qฤซngchว”)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nejasen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณljรณs

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฏัั–ะฝั–ะบัั–ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aydฤฑn olmayan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ poco claro

Etymology

The word 'unclear' dates back to the early 17th century. It is formed by combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with the word 'clear'. The concept of clarity and lack thereof has been a fundamental aspect of communication and perception throughout history. The evolution of language and the need to express ambiguity led to the creation of words like 'unclear' to convey the idea of lack of clarity or definition.

See also: clarity, clear, clearance, clearing, clearly, clearness, unclearly, unclearness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,980 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.