clearunclear

Clearunclear is a term used in discourse analysis and information design to describe a state in which a statement or artifact simultaneously communicates clarity and ambiguity. It characterizes messages that are precise about some aspects but leave other aspects underspecified or open to interpretation.

The term combines clear and unclear to emphasize the coexistence of opposite qualities within a single communicative act. It is used to analyze how audience context, background knowledge, and presuppositions shape whether a message feels transparent or puzzling.

Clearunclear is discussed in relation to vagueness, implicature, and design for ambiguity. In practice, it can arise from intentional stylistic choices, regulatory language with precise terms but ambiguous scope, or user interfaces that provide actionable steps while obscuring edge cases.

Examples include a contract clause such as "The service will be delivered promptly," which is clear about intent but unclear about timing; a product claim like "Fits most needs," which is precise about coverage yet vague about excluded needs; and a user interface message that is short and direct but lacks sufficient context to resolve user questions.

Critics note that the term can be vague itself and risk conflating legitimate ambiguity with poor communication. Proponents see clearunclear as a useful lens for exploring how messages balance transparency and interpretive flexibility in real-world contexts.