How to pronounce unclear
Say it like unk-LEER. Unclear has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unclear. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- unk
- LEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unclear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unkKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of unclear
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: unk-LEER.
What does unclear mean?
- poorly stated or described“he confuses the reader with ill-defined terms and concepts”
- not clear to the mind“the law itself was unclear on that point”“the reason for their actions is unclear to this day”
- not easily deciphered“indecipherable handwriting”
Where does unclear come from?
From Middle English unclere, equivalent to un- + clear.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unclear
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unclear.
Questions about saying unclear
How do you pronounce unclear?
Say unk-LEER. The American pronunciation is /ənkˈlɪr/. In British English it is /ʌnkˈlɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unclear?
Unclear has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEER). Broken into parts: unk · LEER.
Is unclear pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌnkˈlɪə/ (unk-LEER).