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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Unclear Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：ambiguous (unclear)

unclear 🔊

/ʌnˈklɪər/

adj.

When something is not written or said in a way that is easy to understand.

Unclear handwritten note with smudged ink

ambiguous 🔊

➕

/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/

adj.

Refers to information or communication that is not expressed in a clear, precise manner, leading to difficulty in understanding.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'un-' (not) + 'clear' (transparent or easy to perceive).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'un' + 'clear' = not clear. Imagine trying to read a foggy window.

📖 Example

The teacher's unclear instructions left many students confused about the homework. 🔊 The teacher's unclear instructions left many students confused about the homework.

🔗 Collocations

unclear instructions – directions that are not easy to follow

unclear message – a communication that is not easily understood

unclear meaning – the intended sense of something that is hard to grasp

🔄 Synonyms

vague (adj.) – Not clearly expressed or defined; lacking detail.

ambiguous (adj.) – Open to more than one interpretation; not having a clear meaning.

obscure (adj.) – Not well known or not easily understood.

🚫 Antonyms

clear (adj.) – Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.

obvious (adj.) – Easily perceived or understood; clear.

explicit (adj.) – Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.

🌱 Derivatives

unclearly (adv.) – In a way that is hard to understand or not clearly expressed.

unclearness (n.) – The quality of being difficult to understand or not clearly defined.

📖 Cultural Story

The prefix 'un-' negates; 'clear' comes from Latin 'clarus'. 'Unclear' has been used since the 14th century to describe things lacking clarity in expression or certainty.

Meaning 2：uncertain (unclear)

unclear 🔊

/ʌnˈklɪər/

adj.

When a situation or what will happen in the future is not known or decided.

uncertain 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈsɜːrtn/

adj.

Refers to a situation, future event, or outcome that is not known, decided, or predictable.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

It's still unclear whether the festival will be held outdoors or moved online. 🔊 It's still unclear whether the festival will be held outdoors or moved online.

🔗 Collocations

future remains unclear – the path ahead is not yet determined

unclear outcome – the result of something is not known or certain

unclear situation – a set of circumstances that is not fully understood or predictable

🔄 Synonyms

uncertain (adj.) – Not known or definite; subject to change.

doubtful (adj.) – Feeling uncertain about something; not likely.

undecided (adj.) – Not having made a decision; not settled.

🚫 Antonyms

certain (adj.) – Known for sure; established beyond doubt.

clear (adj.) – Obvious and not in any doubt.

decided (adj.) – Having a definite conclusion or resolution.

🌱 Derivatives

unclearly (adv.) – In a way that is not certain or not clearly defined.

unclearness (n.) – The state of being uncertain or not clearly defined.