What does "unclear" mean?

1. (hard to understand) not easy to understand because the meaning is not definite or has several possible meanings. 2. (hard to see or hear) not easy to see, read, or hear clearly. 3. (uncertain in mind) not sure about something or not having a certain plan.

unclear

adj.

US //ənˈkɫɪɹ// UK //ʌnklˈiə// un·clear

1 hard to understand (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

not easy to understand because the meaning is not definite or has several possible meanings.

ambiguous or poorly defined; liable to multiple interpretations due to a lack of explicit detail.

Example

The instructions were unclear, so I didn't know which button to press first.

Example

The legal implications of the new policy remain unclear, prompting several departments to request a formal briefing from the compliance team.
2 hard to see or hear (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

not easy to see, read, or hear clearly.

lacking visual or auditory definition; blurred, faint, or otherwise difficult to perceive accurately.

Example

The photo was a bit unclear because the camera moved when I took it.

Example

The handwriting on the original manuscript was so unclear that the historians had to use infrared imaging to decipher the text.

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3 uncertain in mind (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

not sure about something or not having a certain plan.

characterised by a lack of certainty or a definite plan; often used when a person is undecided.

Example

I am still unclear about whether I should accept the job offer or stay here.

Example

The board members were unclear on how to proceed, leading to a lengthy debate that lasted well into the evening.

Origin

From Middle English unclere, equivalent to un- + clear. Compare Saterland Frisian uunkloor (“unclear”), West Frisian ûnklear (“inoperative, broken”), Dutch onklaar (“out of order, defective, broken”), German unklar (“unclear”), Danish uklar (“unclear”), Swedish oklar (“unclear”).