| Library / English Dictionary |
UNCLEAR
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Not clear to the mind
Example:
the reason for their actions is unclear to this day
Classified under:
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 2
Meaning:
Poorly stated or described
Example:
he confuses the reader with ill-defined terms and concepts
Synonyms:
ill-defined; unclear
Classified under:
Derivation:
unclearness (incomprehensibility as a result of not being clear)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Not easily deciphered
Example:
indecipherable handwriting
Synonyms:
indecipherable; unclear; undecipherable; unreadable
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
illegible ((of handwriting, print, etc.) not legible)
Derivation:
unclearness (incomprehensibility as a result of not being clear)
Context examples:
However, the clinical implications are unclear.
(Hormone treatment studied in older men, NIH)
Yet, the neural basis for this complex process has remained unclear.
(‘Mindreading’ neurons simulate decisions of social partners, University of Cambridge)
A disorder characterized by visual perception of unclear or fuzzy images.
(Blurred Vision, NCI Thesaurus/CTCAE)
Although the mechanism of action is unclear, ginseng is reported to enhance the immune system and reduce fatigue.
(Asian Ginseng, NCI Thesaurus)
The purported mechanism(s) of action is unclear due to the complexity of the herbal mixture.
(Arnebia Indigo Jade Pearl Topical Cream, NCI Thesaurus)
The relationship with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia is also unclear.
(Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia, NCI Thesaurus)
Although the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity is unclear, immunization with BCG vaccine likely activates a Th1 cytokine response that includes the induction of interferon.
(BCG Vaccine, NCI Thesaurus)
Induction of apoptosis via Apo2L requires caspase activity, but the adaptor requirement is unclear.
(DR3 and DR4/5 Mediated Apoptosis Pathway, NCI Thesaurus/BIOCARTA)
Although its mechanism of action is still unclear, isoniazid appears to block the synthesis of mycolic acids, major components of the mycobacterial cell wall.
(Isoniazid, NCI Thesaurus)
Although the exact mechanism is unclear, lithium might exert its mood-stabilizing effect via reduction of catecholamine concentration mediated through transneuronal membrane transport of sodium ion by sodium-potassium-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase).
(Lithium Citrate, NCI Thesaurus)
