# unclear

/ənˈkɫɪɹ/ (US) · /ʌnklˈiə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unclear
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hard to understand

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. hard to see or hear

adjective · CEFR B1

not easy to see, read, or hear clearly.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. uncertain in mind

adjective · CEFR B2

not sure about something or not having a certain plan.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The instructions for the new game are very unclear.
- The manager's email was so unclear that half the team started working on the wrong project.
- While the general goals of the treaty were agreed upon, the specific timeline for implementation remained unclear, leading to further diplomatic tension.

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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.