1.
unclear; ambiguous; vague; indefinite
Not clearly defined, stated, or understood. Used to describe situations, statements, boundaries, or concepts that lack precision or certainty.
基準が不明確だ。
The criteria are unclear.
不明確な表現は誤解を招く。
Ambiguous expressions invite misunderstanding.
責任の所在が不明確なまま計画が進んでしまった。
The plan proceeded with the question of responsibility left unclear.
Formed with the negative prefix 不 and 明確 ('clear; definite'). A straightforward negation meaning 'not clear' or 'not definite.' Common in formal writing, business communication, and academic contexts where precision matters.
USAGE:
- Frequently modifies abstract nouns: 基準 ('criteria'), 境界 ('boundary'), 定義 ('definition'), 方針 ('policy').
- In business Japanese, pointing out that something is 不明確 is a diplomatic way of requesting clarification without directly criticizing.
- Functions as a na-adjective: 不明確な点 ('unclear points'), 不明確である ('is unclear').
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不明確な点: unclear points
- 不明確な表現: ambiguous expression
- 不明確な基準: unclear criteria
- 境界が不明確: the boundary is unclear
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 曖昧: ambiguous; vague — emphasizes deliberate or inherent fuzziness rather than simple lack of clarity
- 不明: unknown; unclear — broader term that can mean 'identity unknown' or 'cause unclear'
- 明確: clear; definite — the direct antonym
- 漠然: vague; hazy — describes an even more diffuse, unfocused quality