unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not easily understood or lacks clarity. Example: "The instructions were unclear, leading to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The future of the show's other two presenters - Hammond and May - is unclear, with both men's Top Gear contracts having run out.

The Guardian

He's done crucial research on language acquisition, and he offers an admirable account of syntax in his book, but it is unclear what he's talking about here.

The Economist

He died suddenly in 2006 in unclear circumstances.

The Guardian

It is as yet unclear what effect, if any, the letter and its fallout could have on the seven-party nuclear talks that are due to reconvene in Switzerland on Sunday.

The Guardian

It is unclear whether the loss of ice is directly related to man-made climate change or a cyclical change in ocean currents.

The Guardian

If McGowan does upset the odds and win – she is placed at around $3.50 by Centrebet, down from more than $50 at the start of the campaign – it's unclear how well her values of inclusiveness and consensus will fare in the Canberra bear pit.

The Guardian

It can be unclear what the point of all these meetings is.

The Guardian

The report is the first time the UN body has accused Assaddirectly and it is unclear how it will affect January's Geneva II peace conference to try to end the country's bloody conflict, now in its 33rd month.

The Guardian

But it is unclear that he will be able to garner the 50% of votes he needs to win in the first round.

The Guardian

It also remains unclear exactly how many people are watching these beautifully made shows or how long term either company's plans are.

The Guardian

Decentralisation will be a key part of constitutional reform, but it remains unclear what form it will take.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unclear", ensure the context provides enough information to understand what aspect is lacking clarity. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "unclear" without specifying what exactly is unclear. For instance, instead of saying "The situation is unclear", specify "The reasons for the delay are unclear".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unclear" functions primarily to describe a state or condition where something lacks clarity or is not easily understood. Ludwig examples showcase it modifying nouns like "circumstances", "effect", "point", and "details", illustrating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unclear" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of clarity or understanding. It's grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, primarily appearing in News & Media sources. To use it effectively, provide context about what specifically is unclear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "ambiguous" and "vague", each carrying slightly different nuances. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and widespread usability of this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous

Refers to something open to more than one interpretation.

vague

Suggests a lack of precision or detail.

ill-defined

Highlights a lack of clear boundaries or limits.

uncertain

Emphasizes a lack of sureness or confidence.

indistinct

Implies a lack of clear form or outline.

murky

Suggests obscurity, often metaphorical.

hazy

Implies a lack of clarity due to vagueness or obscurity.

equivocal

Suggests being open to two or more interpretations and often intended to mislead.

nebulous

Implies a lack of definite form or shape.

undefined

Highlights a lack of explicit definition or specification.

FAQs

How can I use "unclear" in a sentence?

You can use "unclear" to describe something that lacks clarity or is not easily understood. For example, "The instructions were "unclear", leading to confusion". Alternatively, you could say the instructions were "ambiguous" or "vague".

What can I say instead of "unclear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ambiguous", "vague", or "ill-defined". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "it's unclear" or "its unclear"?

"It's unclear" is correct. "It's" is a contraction of "it is". "Its" is a possessive pronoun, and would not be appropriate in this context. Therefore, "it's unclear" indicates that something is not clear.

What's the difference between "unclear" and "uncertain"?

"Unclear" typically refers to a lack of clarity or understanding, while "uncertain" refers to a lack of sureness or confidence. Something can be "unclear" due to complexity, while something is "uncertain" when the outcome or truth is not known.