Definition

In a way that is not clear or easy to understand.

Example

The instructions were unclearly written, making it hard to follow them.

Conversation

Did you understand the teacher's instructions for the project?

Not really, she explained them unclearly to me.

Yeah, I felt the same way; I wish she would clarify things more.

Definitely! It makes it hard to know what we need to do.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unclearly → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "clear" (from Old English "cleare", meaning free from darkness or obscurity) and "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "unclearly" means in a manner that is not clear or free from obscurity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'clear' to remember that 'unclearly' means something is not clear.

Visually Confused Words