unübersichtlich

Unübersichtlich is a German adjective describing something that is not easy to understand, not easy to oversee, or lacking a clear overview. It conveys a sense of disorder, complexity, or poor organization that makes quick comprehension difficult. The opposite term is übersichtlich, meaning clear, well-ordered, and easy to grasp.

Etymology and usage notes: The word is formed with the prefix un- added to übersichtlich (clear or easy to see). Übersichtlich itself derives from über, meaning over or above, and Sicht, meaning view or sight; un- negates this sense. In usage, unübersichtlich can describe spaces, documents, or situations, and it can apply to both physical arrangements and abstract structures.

Contexts and examples: It is common to hear unübersichtlich used for physical environments such as a traffic situation or a layout that lacks a sensible structure, for example eine unübersichtliche Straßenführung (a confusing road layout) or ein unübersichtliches Gelände. It also describes information-heavy materials like unübersichtliche Tabellen or ein unübersichtlicher Bericht (an unclear table or report). Additionally, it can characterize ongoing situations or plans, for instance Die Lage ist unübersichtlich (the situation is unclear) or unübersichtliche Arbeitszeiten (unclear or irregular working hours).

Usage notes: Unübersichtlich is typically used in a negative sense and can apply to both attributive and predicative positions, as in eine unübersichtliche Gliederung or Die Gliederung ist unübersichtlich. Its antonym, übersichtlich, is commonly used in contexts where clarity and order are emphasized. See also Übersicht, Übersichtlichkeit.