unclear meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"unclear meaning" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase that is used to describe a statement, word, or phrase that is not easily understood. For example, "It was an unconscionable act" has an unclear meaning, so it would require further explanation before it can be fully understood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

To see what I mean about such unclear meaning (or "bathroom babble"), let's look for example at Section 115C-521.2 (b) which "reads" as follows: "Single-Sex Multiple Occupancy Bathroom and Changing Facilities.

Huffington Post

However, there is mounting evidence to support their expression in noninfectious injury, with unclear meaning as to their function.

Journal of Pediatric Urology

The boy's identity is unknown and his accent in unclear, meaning it is hard to know what nationality he is.

Independent

As such, literacy is measured in multiple ways but seems problematic especially when assessment is unclear, meaning it is not based on a clearly specified grading system or in the case of performance-based assessment, rating scale.

Language Testing in Asia

Several experiments restricting the GA to negative values proved that the fitting was possible with good accuracy, and, therefore, for avoiding scattered results with unclear meaning, those restrictions were included in the optimization algorithm.

Advances in Difference Equations

Fuck Brexit may be a slogan with an unclear meaning, but it felt like we'd not seen the last of this sort of thing.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The poems prodded long discussions among all the workshop participants about the difficulty of setting texts with unclear meanings.

The New York Times - Arts

The results indicated that the links of this system were not organized reasonably, with too many operational layers, and unclear meanings of some icons.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Consumers' increased interest in environmentally and socially friendly products has been predicted to be a precursor to the growth of sustainability labels in the marketplace (Case 2009), but the presence of multiple labels with unclear meanings can be challenging for consumers to interpret and may ultimately create a barrier to purchases.

Fashion and Textiles

It left unclear the meaning of "orderly," the meaning of "now," and the meaning of "meaningful".

Huffington Post

Linguistic ambiguity arises when words can have two meanings and it is unclear which meaning is meant.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "unclear meaning", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what specifically is unclear. Follow it with clarification or examples to aid comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "unclear meaning" without specifying what the meaning refers to. For example, instead of saying "The statement has an unclear meaning", specify "The statement's implications for future policy have an unclear meaning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclear meaning" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unclear" modifies the noun "meaning". It typically describes a situation where the significance or interpretation of something is not readily apparent. Ludwig AI also confirms its general usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unclear meaning" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that lacks clarity or is difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across numerous contexts. While versatile, it's best used with specific context to ensure clarity. Related phrases include "ambiguous meaning", "vague meaning" and "obscure meaning". Usage is frequent in News & Media and Scientific domains. When writing, avoid vagueness and provide context. All considered, "unclear meaning" effectively conveys a lack of clarity when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous meaning

Replaces "unclear" with "ambiguous", highlighting the possibility of multiple interpretations.

vague meaning

Substitutes "unclear" with "vague", suggesting a lack of precision or detail.

obscure meaning

Replaces "unclear" with "obscure", implying that the meaning is hidden or difficult to perceive.

indistinct meaning

Uses "indistinct" instead of "unclear", emphasizing the lack of clarity or definition.

nebulous meaning

Replaces "unclear" with "nebulous", suggesting a hazy or ill-defined meaning.

equivocal meaning

Uses "equivocal" instead of "unclear", indicating that the meaning is open to more than one interpretation; uncertain.

imprecise meaning

Swaps "unclear" for "imprecise", underlining the lack of accuracy or exactness in the meaning.

uncertain meaning

Replaces "unclear" with "uncertain", stressing the doubtfulness or lack of sureness about the meaning.

murky meaning

Substitute "unclear" with "murky", conveying the meaning is obscure or complicated.

enigmatic meaning

Replaces "unclear" with "enigmatic" indicating the meaning is mysterious and difficult to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "unclear meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "unclear meaning" to describe something that is difficult to understand. For example, "The contract's terms had an "unclear meaning", leading to disputes."

What are some alternatives to "unclear meaning"?

Alternatives include "ambiguous meaning", "vague meaning", or "obscure meaning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unclear meaning" or "unclear definition"?

The choice depends on the context. "Unclear meaning" refers to a general lack of understanding, while "unclear definition" refers specifically to the lack of a precise explanation or description. Use "unclear meaning" when the overall sense is difficult to grasp.

What's the difference between "unclear meaning" and "hidden meaning"?

"Unclear meaning" suggests a lack of clarity that makes understanding difficult, whereas "hidden meaning" implies that the meaning is intentionally concealed or not immediately obvious. In the second case the meaning exists but is not apparent.