Unclearly

Unclearly is an English adverb used to describe something done in a manner that is not clear or is difficult to understand. It can modify verbs and other adjectives or clauses, as in "the contract was unclearly written" or "he spoke unclearly." The term is relatively rare and often considered informal or stylistic; in formal writing, writers typically choose "not clearly," "in an unclear manner," or the adjective "unclear" depending on the context.

Origin and morphology: Unclearly is formed by prefixing the negative un- to the adverb clearly, yielding a negated adverb. Although it is understandable, it may be seen as awkward in some styles, since negating an adverb is less common than using "not clearly" or a more precise phrase.

Usage notes: Because it is infrequent and can appear forced, many editors recommend alternatives when clarity is essential. It is more common in informal speech, humorous writing, or where a deliberate playful tone is desired.

Examples: The instructions were written unclearly, leading to errors. The speaker answered unclearly, leaving the audience uncertain about the point. These examples show how unclearly can emphasize ambiguity in the manner of expression.

See also: unclear, ambiguity, vagueness.