Describing something that is difficult to understand, comprehend, or track due to its complexity, lack of clarity, disorganization, or a confusing presentation. This can apply to written or spoken information, instructions, narratives, arguments, or even physical processes. The term implies a breakdown in communication or understanding, where the intended message or meaning is obscured by the manner of its delivery or construction. A 'hard-to-follow' subject may require significant effort to decode or unravel, leading to frustration or disengagement on the part of the audience. The difficulty stems from issues like convoluted phrasing, illogical sequencing, inconsistent information, or an excessive reliance on jargon or technical terms inaccessible to the average person. Essentially, 'hard-to-follow' signals a failure to effectively convey information.
Hard-to-follow meaning with examples
- The professor's lecture was notoriously hard-to-follow. He jumped between seemingly unrelated topics, spoke in a rushed manner, and used overly complex vocabulary, leaving students bewildered and struggling to take notes. His explanations often lacked clear transitions, making it challenging to connect the ideas presented and understand his central arguments. It was a very difficult class to engage in.
- The instructions for assembling the furniture were incredibly hard-to-follow. The diagrams were small and unclear, the numbered steps didn't always correspond to the pieces, and the wording was vague and poorly edited. It was a frustrating experience, and it took hours of trial and error to eventually build the item. It felt like a puzzle.
- The plot of the movie was so hard-to-follow that many viewers left the theater confused. The filmmakers used several timelines and complex symbolism that, without clear context, created a baffling narrative. Even after multiple viewings, the intricate details and lack of structure made the story feel disjointed and frustrating. This resulted in a very bad cinematic experience.
- The political debate became hard-to-follow when the candidates began to speak in evasive and deliberately ambiguous language, and the moderator failed to keep them on track. They often avoided direct answers and presented their arguments in a confusing manner, obscuring the real issues. This made it impossible to assess their positions or have a clear view on what they would do.