a lack of definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lack of definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not clearly defined or lacks clarity. Example: "The project's goals were unclear due to a lack of definition in the initial proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

There's a lack of definition".

The New York Times

Despite the freedom, the theater community is feeling a void, a lack of definition.

The New York Times

"In Florida, you had a lack of definition as to what constitutes a vote and no appropriate recount procedure.

The New York Times

The danger is that a lack of definition ossifies into a view that neither leader stands for anything at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paul said he was "alarmed" by a lack of definition for who can be targeted by drone strikes.

The Washington Post

There was also a lack of definition in the second play "Watercolor," a series of conversations, loosely rather than purposefully linked, on a beach.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The low-hanging argument is "a lack of definitions".

TechCrunch

The other is a lack of definitions of crucial language that has been a central part of Russian legislation for as long as Russian legislators have been legislating.

Huffington Post

In this context, event reporting is uniquely challenging due to a lack of definitions of what to report and prescribed timelines for when to report.

BMC Public Health

The reason, the authors state that the potential of community participation has not been realized is that there is a lack of definitions for 'community' and 'participation' and insufficient investment in the 'peoples component' of the programmes.

Health Policy and Planning

Yet, a widely accepted and specific definition of quality healthcare is required for its assessment and promotion, and a lack of this definition makes these impossible.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lack of definition", ensure you specify what exactly lacks definition to provide context and clarity for your audience. For example, instead of saying "There is a lack of definition", specify "There is a lack of definition in the project scope".

Common error

Avoid using "a lack of definition" as a general critique without providing specific examples. This can make your writing seem vague and unhelpful. Always follow up with details about what aspects lack clarity or precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of definition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the absence of clarity or specificity, as seen in Ludwig examples where policies or concepts are described as suffering from this absence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lack of definition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that pinpoints the absence of clarity or specificity. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples showcasing its application across various domains, particularly in news, media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and suggests related alternatives such as "lack of clarity" or "absence of precision". To ensure clarity in your writing, use it when pointing out deficiencies in explanations and be sure to provide specific details about what lacks definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of definition

Replaces "lack" with "absence", maintaining the core meaning.

lack of clarity

Substitutes "definition" with "clarity", focusing on the absence of clearness.

absence of precision

Replaces "definition" with "precision", emphasizing the absence of exactness.

ill-defined nature

Shifts to an adjectival phrase describing something as poorly defined.

poorly defined

Adjectival phrase indicating something not well specified.

vague outline

Uses metaphorical language to describe a fuzzy or indistinct concept.

indistinctness

Replaces the entire phrase with a single noun emphasizing the quality of being not distinct.

ambiguity

Uses a single word to indicate a lack of clear meaning or intention.

nebulousness

Highlights the cloudy and undefined nature of something.

imprecision

A single word highlighting the absence of exactness or accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "a lack of definition" in a sentence?

You can use "a lack of definition" to describe situations where something is unclear or not well-defined. For example, "The project suffered from "a lack of definition" in its objectives".

What are some alternatives to "a lack of definition"?

Alternatives include "lack of clarity", "absence of precision", or "poorly defined" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a lack of definition" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to point out that something is missing clear boundaries, specifications, or explanations. However, always provide context to avoid vagueness.

What's the difference between "a lack of definition" and "ambiguity"?

"A lack of definition" implies that something is not clearly outlined or specified, while "ambiguity" suggests that something has multiple possible meanings or interpretations. The former relates to clarity, and the latter to interpretation.