clueless

/ˈkluːləs/ (bre, ipa) · [klˈuləs] /ˈkluːləs/ (ame, ipa) · [klˈuləs] /ˈklü-ləs How to pronounce clueless (audio)/ (ame, mw)

clueless — adjective

  • cluelesspositive
  • more cluelesscomparative
  • most cluelesssuperlative

1. not having the facts needed to understand a topic or what is happening around yo

1.形容詞B2
釋義

not having the facts needed to understand a topic or what is happening around you.

例句

Nora looked clueless when the tax form asked for two addresses.

During the drill, Otis was clueless about which door to use.

be clueless about + wh-clause

同義詞
  • confused

    focuses more on not understanding what is happening right now

  • lost

    often suggests not knowing what to do next

  • uninformed

    more neutral and mainly about lacking facts

  • in the dark

    idiomatic and often implies others did not tell you

反義詞
  • clued-up

    informal and suggests knowing the important details

  • informed

    neutral and less emotional

文法句型

be clueless about + noun

be clueless about + wh-clause

look / seem clueless

用法筆記

Often followed by about when you name the subject that a person does not understand. It is less insulting than sense 2 and focuses on missing information rather than foolish behavior.

常見錯誤

❌I am clueless to use this app.
✅I am clueless about how to use this app.
💡this sense usually takes 'about', often followed by a noun or wh-clause.

2. used for someone who seems foolish because they cannot understand simple things

2.形容詞B2
釋義

used for someone who seems foolish because they cannot understand simple things or handle them properly.

例句

Kevin seemed clueless when he tried to unlock the gate with a spoon.

be clueless when + absurd action

Naoko looked clueless while she searched for the scissors in her hand.

同義詞
  • stupid

    stronger and blunter

  • foolish

    can describe one bad action rather than a general lack of sense

  • hopeless

    suggests no confidence that the person will improve

  • incompetent

    focuses more on lacking skill than lacking sense

反義詞
  • sharp

    informal and means quick to understand

  • capable

    focuses on being able to do things properly

文法句型

be clueless when + clause

clueless + noun

look / sound clueless

用法筆記

This sense is openly critical and often appears before a noun such as driver, tourist, or manager. Unlike sense 1, it suggests foolish inability, not simply missing information.

常見錯誤

❌The broken printer is clueless.
✅The broken printer is useless.
💡clueless describes people or their behavior, not machines.