unclearly
/ʌnˈklɪə.li/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈklɪr.li/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈklir How to pronounce unclear (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unclearly — adverb
1. spoken, written, or shown so unclearly that the meaning is hard to see, hear, or
spoken, written, or shown so unclearly that the meaning is hard to see, hear, or understand
The photo showed the building unclearly, so Quinn could not tell which street it was.
unclearly + verb of perception (showed)
Marco remembered the events of that night only unclearly, mixing up dates and names.
remember + unclearly — vague recollection
The instructions were written unclearly, and many users called the help line for assistance.
The tour guide spoke unclearly through the microphone, and several visitors missed the announcement.
- indistinctly
more formal, used especially for sounds and shapes
- vaguely
emphasises lack of detail or precision
- ambiguously
focuses on having more than one possible meaning
- clearly
direct opposite in all contexts
用法筆記
Frequently pairs with verbs of perception and communication: see, hear, speak, write, remember.
常見錯誤
unclearly — adjective
- unclearlypositive
- more unclearlycomparative
- most unclearlysuperlative
1. not easy to see, read, or hear — used about writing, images, sounds, or shapes t
not easy to see, read, or hear — used about writing, images, sounds, or shapes that are hard to make out clearly
The doctor's handwriting was unclear, so the pharmacist called to check the dosage.
be + unclear — describing writing
Through the rain, Yuki tried to read the sign, but the letters were unclear.
The photo on the old phone was unclear because the lens was scratched.
The bird photo was unclear because Noa moved the camera while pressing the button.
- illegible
specifically of writing that cannot be read
- indistinct
more formal, of shapes or sounds lacking definition
- faint
emphasises lack of strength in sound or mark
- clear
direct opposite; easy to see or hear
文法句型
unclear + noun
be/seem/remain + unclear
用法筆記
Usually describes the thing being perceived (writing, voice, image), not the person perceiving it — compare sense 3.
常見錯誤
2. not clearly expressed or explained, so that the intended meaning is difficult to
not clearly expressed or explained, so that the intended meaning is difficult to grasp
Caio's explanation of the science project was unclear, leaving the teacher with more questions.
It is still unclear why the company decided to cancel the contract without warning.
it is unclear + wh-clause
The email contained several unclear instructions, so Karim called his manager to check.
The politician's speech on tax reform was unclear, leaving voters confused about where he stood.
- clear
direct opposite; easy to understand
- straightforward
emphasises simplicity and lack of confusion
文法句型
unclear + noun
be/seem/remain + unclear
it is unclear whether/why/how/what + clause
用法筆記
Common in the pattern 'it is unclear + wh-clause' (whether, why, how, what, where) to express that facts or reasons are not known.
常見錯誤
3. not sure or confident about something — used when a person does not know what to
not sure or confident about something — used when a person does not know what to think or do
Diya was unclear about the team's expectations for her new role at the company.
unclear about + noun phrase
The committee remained unclear on whether to approve the funding for the research.
After reading the email twice, Nora was still unclear about the meeting date.
Emma was unclear how to fill in the visa form, so she asked the officer.
文法句型
be/seem/feel + unclear + about + noun/wh-clause
be/seem + unclear + on + noun
用法筆記
Unlike senses 1 and 2, this sense describes a person who feels uncertain — not a thing that is hard to perceive. Subject is usually a person or group of people.