unclear

Difficult to understand, or not explained well enough.

• The instructions are unclear.
• Her explanation left several points unclear.
• It was unclear why the meeting had been cancelled.

How to use it: unclear to someone (The instructions were unclear to several students.); unclear whether… (It is unclear whether the shop will reopen.)

Similar words: confusing, vague

Opposites: clear

Common phrases: unclear instructions, unclear meaning, remain unclear

Having more than one possible meaning, so people may understand it differently.

• The wording of the rule is unclear.
• His unclear remark could be praise or criticism.
• These unclear terms allow two different interpretations.

Similar words: ambiguous

Opposites: unambiguous

Common phrases: unclear wording, unclear statement, unclear terms

Difficult to see clearly or to read.

• The photo is unclear.
• His unclear handwriting made the address hard to read.
• The letters became unclear as the light faded.

Similar words: indistinct, blurred, illegible

Opposites: clear, legible

Common phrases: unclear image, unclear handwriting, unclear photograph