English Reference

Word

unclear

Phoneticsun·clear, stress on the second syllable

US/ənˈkɫɪɹ/

UK/ʌnklˈiə/

Definitions

01hard to understand

B1 · Intermediate

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

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

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

“The legal implications of the new policy remain unclear, prompting several departments to request a formal briefing from the compliance team.”

Synonyms

ambiguousvagueconfusing

Antonyms

clearexplicitobvious

02hard to see or hear

B1 · Intermediate

adj. not easy to see, read, or hear clearly.

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

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

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

Synonyms

blurryfaintindistinct

Antonyms

sharpdistinctlegible

03uncertain in mind

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. not sure about something or not having a certain plan.

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

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

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

Synonyms

uncertainunsureundecided

Antonyms

certainsuredecided

Etymology

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”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

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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English Reference