UNCLEAR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unclear mean? 

• UNCLEAR (adjective)
  The adjective UNCLEAR has 3 senses:

1. poorly stated or described

2. not clear to the mind

3. not easily deciphered

  Familiarity information: UNCLEAR used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNCLEAR (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Poorly stated or described

Synonyms:

ill-defined; unclear

Context example:

he confuses the reader with ill-defined terms and concepts

Derivation:

unclearness (incomprehensibility as a result of not being clear)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not clear to the mind

Context example:

the reason for their actions is unclear to this day

Similar:

amorphous (unclear because vague or badly organized)

blurred; clouded (unclear in form or expression)

confusing; perplexing; puzzling (lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity)

obscure; vague (not clearly expressed or understood)

Also:

ambiguous (having more than one possible meaning)

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)

Attribute:

clarity; clearness; limpidity; lucidity; lucidness; pellucidity (free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression)

Antonym:

clear (readily apparent to the mind)

Derivation:

unclearness (incomprehensibility as a result of not being clear)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Not easily deciphered

Synonyms:

indecipherable; unclear; undecipherable; unreadable

Context example:

indecipherable handwriting

Similar:

illegible ((of handwriting, print, etc.) not legible)

Derivation:

unclearness (incomprehensibility as a result of not being clear)

 Context examples 

It is unclear if the results have any implications for dietary cholesterol, as cholesterol does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

(Brain cholesterol associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, University of Cambridge)

Its cellular role is still unclear and a positive as well as an inhibitory role in mitogenesis depending on the cell context has been implicated.

(Growth Factor Receptor-Bound Protein 10, NCI Thesaurus)

Although the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity is unclear, immunization with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) likely activates a Th1 cytokine response that includes induction of interferon.

(BCG, NCI Thesaurus)

Although the exact mechanism of the actions of dexpanthenol is unclear, it may enhance the effect of acetylcholine.

(Dexpanthenol, NCI Thesaurus)

It was already known to be linked with a supernova remnant, but the source of its power was unclear.

(Pulse of a Dead Star Powers Intense Gamma Rays, NASA)

How they perform these roles has been unclear.

(Microtubules’ role in heart cell contraction revealed, NIH)

It is unclear if the worms produce enough to be commercially viable.

(Plastic Eating Worm Could Help Ease Pollution, VOA)

Although the mechanism of action is unclear, penberol might inhibit tumor growth mediated through inhibition of the cell energetic metabolism.

(Penberol, NCI Thesaurus)

Although the mechanism of action is unclear, phenethyl Isothiocyanate (PEITC) was shown to induce apoptosis in tumor cells, possibly mediated through its metabolic intermediates, reactive oxygen species (ROS).

(Phenethyl isothiocyanate, NCI Thesaurus)

Until now, the reason for a link between stress and heart disease has been unclear.

(Biological Link Found Between Stress, Heart Disease, VOA)