Word
clueless
Phoneticsclue·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫuɫəs/
UK/klˈuːləs/
Definitions
01ignorant or oblivious
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adj. having no knowledge or understanding about a situation; not knowing what to do.
adj. lacking knowledge, understanding, or social awareness; often used to describe someone who is completely oblivious to their surroundings or a specific topic.
“He was completely clueless about how to fix the broken sink.”
“Despite having worked there for three months, he remained entirely clueless regarding the company's internal filing procedures.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'about'.
Antonyms
02without hints
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having no clues or information to help solve a puzzle or problem.
adj. literally lacking any physical or informational clues; used in contexts like detective work or puzzle-solving.
“The detectives were clueless until they found the hidden camera.”
“The investigators were left clueless after the rain washed away any potential footprints from the crime scene.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From clue + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/clueless