a vague target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a goal or objective that is not clearly defined or lacks specificity. Example: "The project failed because the team was working towards a vague target that no one fully understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"There was a vague target".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

After weeks of speculation, Sony confirmed at a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday March 15th that it would delay the launch of its long-awaited PlayStation 3 (PS3) games console from "spring" (a deliberately vague target that was widely assumed to mean late May) to November.

The Economist

It was a 125-page smorgasbord of vague targets and nitty-gritty measures, from "ensuring the UK remains one of the top destinations for foreign direct investment", to redrafting the little known Outer Space Act to capitalise on the UK's strength in building space vehicles.

The Guardian

Anything else leads to vague targets like "working harder" and don't support good quality learning.

The Guardian

Even so, our analysis at the Institution of Civil Engineers suggests that the city should avoid setting vague targets and focus on policy.

The Guardian

Instead of telling staff what they should be doing, policy governance tells them what they can't do, and they're empowered to achieve critical and core goals, rather than given vague targets subject to capricious micromanagement.

The Guardian

After all the small skirmishes and ambushes, after months of lobbing tons of bombs and shells on vague targets in Free Strike Zones, the size, complexity, and careful coördination of the Cedar Falls operation satisfied the military men's taste for careful large-scale planning.

The New Yorker

Yes? A: Vaguely.

The New Yorker

In late January, the United States insisted on making the aid target a vague aspiration rather than a firm commitment.

The New Yorker

Culture, a vague catchall, makes a ready target for what else we think is missing in life.

The New York Times - Arts

A notion of structural similarity between initial and target matrices has a vague framework that can be slightly refined in an axiomatic manner.

Journal of Economic Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals or objectives, avoid using "a vague target". Instead, define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) targets to ensure clarity and focus.

Common error

Do not assume that others will understand what you mean by "a vague target". Always clarify the specifics, even if they seem obvious to you, to avoid misunderstandings and wasted effort.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a vague target" is to serve as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe something lacking clear definition. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague target" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe objectives that lack clarity and specificity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile across diverse contexts like news, science, and general writing, it is especially important to remember that using "a vague target" to define a goal is not a best practice, as the goal's specifics are unclear. Consider using alternatives like "an ill-defined objective" or "an ambiguous aim" in various contexts. When communicating this expression, always strive for clarity to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ill-defined objective

This alternative emphasizes the lack of definition or clear boundaries of the objective.

an ambiguous aim

This option highlights the uncertainty and open-endedness of the aim.

an imprecise goal

This variation focuses on the lack of precision and exactness in the goal.

a poorly defined objective

This phrase stresses the inadequate level of definition for the objective.

an unclear aim

This choice simply points to the absence of clarity in the aim.

a nebulous objective

This suggests an objective that is hazy and indistinct, like a nebula.

an indefinite goal

This alternative underscores the lack of defined limits or boundaries for the goal.

a blurred target

This alternative uses the image of something hard to see due to the fact is not well defined

an unspecific aim

This highlights the absence of specific details or characteristics in the aim.

an amorphous objective

This emphasizes that the objective lacks a clear shape or form.

FAQs

How can I use "a vague target" in a sentence?

You can use "a vague target" to describe a goal that lacks specific details. For example, "The company's strategy was criticized for setting "a vague target" for revenue growth".

What's the difference between "a vague target" and "a specific target"?

"A vague target" lacks clear definition, making it difficult to measure progress, while "a specific target" is clearly defined and measurable, allowing for effective tracking and achievement.

What can I say instead of "a vague target"?

You can use alternatives like "an ill-defined objective", "an ambiguous aim", or "an imprecise goal" depending on the context.

Is it always bad to have "a vague target"?

While specificity is generally preferred, "a vague target" can sometimes be useful in the initial stages of brainstorming or exploration, before refining the goal into something more concrete and actionable.