unclear
/'ʌn'kliə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not easy to see, hear, or understand; indistinct or ambiguous: Refers to something that lacks clarity, sharpness, or precision, making it difficult to perceive or comprehend.
- Not obvious or definite; uncertain or vague: Describes a situation, idea, or statement that is not clearly defined, explained, or understood, leading to confusion or doubt.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The instructions were unclear, so I didn't know what to do. (The directions were not easy to understand.)
- The image on the old television was blurry and unclear. (The picture was not sharp or distinct.)
- His motives for leaving the company remain unclear. (The reasons for his departure are not obvious or certain.)
- She gave an unclear answer to the question, avoiding a direct response. (Her reply was ambiguous and not definite.)
Advanced Usage
- "It is unclear whether/if...": A common structure used to express uncertainty or lack of definite knowledge about a fact or outcome.
- It is unclear whether the meeting will proceed as scheduled. (There is no definite information about if the meeting will happen.)
- "To make something unclear": To cause something to become less distinct or more difficult to understand.
- Adding too many technical details made his explanation unclear. (The explanation became confusing due to excessive detail.)
Variants and Related Words
- Unclearly (adverb): In a manner that is not clear.
- He spoke unclearly, mumbling his words.
- Unclearness (noun): The state or quality of being unclear.
- The unclearness of the contract led to a dispute.
Synonyms
- Vague: Not clearly expressed or defined.
- Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.
- Indistinct: Not clear or sharply defined.
- Obscure: Not discovered or known about; uncertain, or not clearly expressed.
Antonyms
- Clear: Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
- Distinct: Recognizably different in nature from something else; clear and definite.
- Obvious: Easily perceived or understood; clear.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "In no uncertain terms": (Idiom) This phrase means in a very clear and forceful way. It is often used to contrast with being unclear.
- She refused the offer in no uncertain terms. (She refused very clearly and definitely.)
- "As clear as mud": (Idiomatic, humorous) Used to say that something is very unclear or confusing.
- His explanation of the tax code was as clear as mud. (His explanation was very confusing.)
Adjective
- not easily deciphered
- indecipherable handwriting
- not clear to the mind
- the law itself was unclear on that point
- the reason for their actions is unclear to this day
- poorly stated or described
- he confuses the reader with ill-defined terms and concepts