agreed-upon definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agreed-upon definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a definition that has been accepted by a group or individuals through consensus. Example: "In our discussion, we need to establish an agreed-upon definition of what constitutes success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Terrorism" has no agreed-upon definition.

The New York Times

There is no agreed-upon definition of regular order.

The Washington Post

Despite an increasingly complex academic discourse, the videogame medium lacks an agreed-upon definition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Is there an agreed-upon definition for what constitutes a small business for this commitment?

The New York Times

Technology is socially invisible when it fits a given culture's tacitly agreed-upon definition of the unremarkable.

Smart Things

To start with, no one has yet proposed an agreed-upon definition of what it means to be "British".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Establishing agreed-upon definitions of surveillance terms would be a first step in achieving this standardisation, and will enhance transparency and confidence.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Spitzer came up with agreed-upon definitions of mental disorders by convening meetings of experts in each diagnostic category and taking notes on their observations, the New York Times reported.

Independent

A business needs to generate a glossary with clear, unambiguous and agreed-upon definitions.

TechCrunch

Economists said in interviews Sunday that neither candidate was wrong because there are no agreed-upon definitions for the terms that describe income segments.

Los Angeles Times

"This paper is telling us we need to have a public surveillance approach to psychological maltreatment with agreed-upon definitions," Glick said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "agreed-upon definition", ensure that there is clear evidence or indication that the definition has indeed been agreed upon by relevant parties or within a specific field.

Common error

Avoid using "agreed-upon definition" when the definition is still debated or lacks consensus. Instead, acknowledge the differing perspectives or the absence of a universally accepted definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agreed-upon definition" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "definition". It describes a definition that has been collectively accepted. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agreed-upon definition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term that signifies a definition accepted through consensus. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic settings. While alternatives like "consensus definition" or "mutually accepted definition" exist, "agreed-upon definition" clearly emphasizes the collaborative nature of establishing a shared understanding. Remember to avoid assuming universal agreement when using this phrase and be prepared to clarify or acknowledge differing perspectives if a true consensus is lacking. Understanding the contexts where this phrase is most effectively deployed allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consensus definition

Emphasizes the agreement aspect, highlighting that the definition is based on a general agreement.

mutually accepted definition

Focuses on the mutual acceptance of the definition by all parties involved.

standard definition

Suggests that the definition is the commonly accepted or official one.

established definition

Highlights that the definition is well-established and recognized.

common understanding

Refers to a general comprehension rather than a formal definition.

shared understanding

Highlights that the comprehension is shared, rather than a formal definition.

universally recognized definition

Implies widespread acceptance and recognition of the definition.

officially recognized definition

Highlights that the definition has official recognition or endorsement.

well-defined term

Indicates that the term has a clear and precise definition.

clearly defined concept

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the concept's definition.

FAQs

How can I use "agreed-upon definition" in a sentence?

You can use "agreed-upon definition" to refer to a term or concept where a consensus exists. For example, "Before proceeding, we need to establish an agreed-upon definition of success."

What are some alternatives to "agreed-upon definition"?

You can use alternatives like "consensus definition", "mutually accepted definition", or "standard definition" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have an "agreed-upon definition" before discussing a topic?

While not always strictly necessary, establishing an "agreed-upon definition" can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page, especially when discussing complex or abstract concepts.

What happens when there is no "agreed-upon definition" for a term?

When there is no "agreed-upon definition", discussions can become ambiguous and less productive. It's important to acknowledge the lack of consensus and potentially propose a working definition for the purpose of the discussion.