Unclear
/ʌnˈklɪər/
Definitions
Not easily understood or perceived; vague or ambiguous.
/ʌnˈklɪər/
Not easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
The directions were unclear, and I got lost.
💡 Simply: Imagine trying to read a sign that's partly covered in snow. The words are unclear, and you can't quite make them out! When something is unclear, it's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.
👶 For kids: If something is unclear, it means it's hard to see or understand. Like when you can't see what's at the end of a long tunnel.
More Examples
The artist's intentions were unclear, leaving viewers puzzled.
The forecast for the weekend is unclear, so we might need to change our plans.
How It's Used
"The instructions were unclear, so I didn't know what to do."
"The legal precedent on this issue remains unclear."
"The results of the experiment are unclear and require further investigation."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
It's as clear as mud.
Something is very difficult to understand.
"The explanation was as clear as mud; I didn't understand a word."
From Old English *unclyre*, from un- (not) + clear.
The word 'unclear' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to a lack of clearness in a physical or visual sense, and later extending to abstract concepts.