unclear

/ˌʌnˈklɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈklɪr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈklir/ (ame, mw)

unclear — adjective

  • unclearpositive
  • more unclearcomparative
  • most unclearsuperlative

1. Something that is unclear is difficult to understand, identify, or know for sure

1.形容詞B1
釋義

Something that is unclear is difficult to understand, identify, or know for sure, often because the information is incomplete, vague, or not expressed in a straightforward way.

例句

The reason for the delay was unclear to the passengers waiting at the gate.

It remains unclear whether the museum will open on time after the flood damage.

impersonal: it remains unclear whether-clause

同義詞
  • vague

    suggests a lack of detail or precision rather than complete incomprehensibility

  • ambiguous

    stresses that something has more than one possible meaning

  • obscure

    suggests something is difficult to understand because it is little known or intentionally hidden

  • uncertain

    focuses on doubt about the truth or reliability of information

反義詞
  • clear

    easy to understand, see, or know

  • obvious

    very easy to notice or understand

  • evident

    clearly seen or understood

文法句型

it + be + unclear + whether/if/what/why-clause

[noun] + be + unclear + to + [person]

unclear + [noun]

用法筆記

Frequently used with a dummy subject 'it' followed by a clause beginning with 'whether', 'if', or a question word ('what', 'why', 'where'). This sense can appear both before a noun (an unclear signal) and after a linking verb (the signal was unclear).

常見錯誤

❌It is unclear that he will come.
✅It is unclear whether he will come.
💡After 'it is unclear', use 'whether' or 'if', not 'that' to introduce the question.
❌The instructions were unclear explained.
✅The instructions were unclear.' or 'The instructions were not explained clearly.
💡'Unclear' is an adjective; do not use it to modify a verb.

2. A person who is unclear on a subject cannot say for sure what is true or what to

2.形容詞B1
釋義

A person who is unclear on a subject cannot say for sure what is true or what to think, usually because the available information is incomplete or confusing.

例句

Mizuki was unclear about the deadline and turned in her report a day late.

If you are unclear about anything on the form, please ask a staff member at the desk.

conditional instruction: if + be unclear about + noun

同義詞
  • unsure

    more common in everyday conversation; sounds less formal

  • uncertain

    can also describe the situation itself, unlike this sense of 'unclear'

  • doubtful

    suggests stronger skepticism about the truth or outcome

反義詞
  • certain

    having no doubts; completely sure

  • sure

    confident about something; more informal than 'certain'

  • clear

    fully understanding something; having no confusion

文法句型

[person] + be + unclear + about + [noun/question]

[person] + be + unclear + as to + wh-clause

[person] + be + unclear + on + [topic]

用法筆記

Always used predicatively — this sense describes a person's state of uncertainty, not a quality of the thing itself. You cannot say 'an unclear person' to mean someone who is uncertain; the person is unclear about something. Common prepositions: about (most frequent), as to (more formal), on (slightly less common).

常見錯誤

❌I am unclear of the answer.
✅I am unclear about the answer.
💡The correct preposition after 'unclear' (in this sense) is 'about', 'as to', or 'on', not 'of'.
❌He is an unclear student about the rules.
✅He is unclear about the rules.
💡In this sense, 'unclear' cannot be placed before a noun; it must follow a linking verb like 'be' or 'feel'.