Unclear: meaning, definitions and examples

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unclear

[ ˌʌnˈklɪər ]

^{Context #1}

in communication

Not easy to understand or define.

Synonyms

ambiguous, obscure, vague

Examples of usage

It was unclear what he meant by his statement.
The instructions were unclear and confusing.

^{Context #2}

in vision

Not clear or distinct; hazy.

Synonyms

blurry, fuzzy, indistinct

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}

in speech

In a way that is not clear or obvious.

Synonyms

ambiguously, obscurely, vaguely

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "unclear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não claro

🇮🇳 अस्पष्ट

🇩🇪 unklar

🇮🇩 tidak jelas

🇺🇦 незрозумілий

🇵🇱 niejasny

🇯🇵 不明確な (ふめいかくな)

🇫🇷 peu clair

🇪🇸 poco claro

🇹🇷 belirsiz

🇰🇷 불명확한

🇸🇦 غير واضح

🇨🇿 nejasný

🇸🇰 nejasný

🇨🇳 不清楚 (bù qīngchǔ)

🇸🇮 nejasen

🇮🇸 óljós

🇰🇿 түсініксіз

🇬🇪 უცნობი

🇦🇿 aydın olmayan

🇲🇽 poco claro

Word origin

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.