unclear

/ˈʌnˌklɪər/

/ənˈklɪə/

When something's unclear it's hard to see or understand. If the directions for assembling your new desk are unclear, you might end up with two upside-down drawers and a handful of unused nuts and bolts.

If you don't explain something accurately, it will be unclear to the person who's trying to understand. And when a photograph is badly out of focus, it's also unclear — you can't quite see the details. You can also use this adjective for the feeling that results in these situations: "I'm unclear about exactly who's in this photo and why you wanted me to see it."

Definitions of unclear

1. adjective

   poorly stated or described
   synonyms: ill-defined
2. adjective

   not clear to the mind
   “the law itself was unclear on that point”

   “the reason for their actions is unclear to this day”

   synonyms:

   ambiguous

   having more than one possible meaning

   blurred, clouded

   unclear in form or expression

   confusing, perplexing, puzzling

   lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity

   murky, obscure, vague

   not clearly understood or expressed

   opaque

   not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight

   incomprehensible, uncomprehensible

   difficult to understand

   indefinite

   vague or not clearly defined or stated

   indistinct

   not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand

   antonyms:

   clear

   readily apparent to the mind

   unambiguous

   having or exhibiting a single clearly defined meaning

   broad, unsubtle

   lacking subtlety; obvious

   clear-cut, distinct, trenchant

   clearly or sharply defined to the mind

   crystal clear, limpid, lucid, luculent, pellucid, perspicuous

   (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable

   prima facie

   as it seems at first sight

   unmistakable

   clearly evident to the mind

   vivid

   having the clarity and freshness of immediate experience

   comprehendible, comprehensible

   capable of being comprehended or understood

   definite

   precise; explicit and clearly defined

   distinct

   easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined
3. adjective

   not easily deciphered
   synonyms: indecipherable, undecipherable, unreadable

   illegible

   (of handwriting, print, etc.) not legible