# murky

/ˈmɝki/ (US) · /mˈɜːki/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/murky
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

dark and dirty, making it hard to see through. It can describe water with mud in it or a situation that is not clear or honest.

For teachers: characterised by darkness, thickness, or dirt that obscures visibility. Often used figuratively to describe suspicious or morally ambiguous situations where the full truth is hidden.

## Examples

- The lake water was too murky to see the bottom.
- The company's murky financial history made investors nervous about the new merger.
- The investigation stalled as detectives navigated the murky waters of international espionage, where every lead seemed to dissolve into a web of conflicting interests and half-truths.

## Usage notes

- Commonly modifies nouns related to liquids (water, depths) or abstract concepts (past, details, world).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.