are not defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, terms, or parameters that lack a clear or established definition. Example: "In this context, the variables are not defined, making it difficult to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are not defined in the treaties.

The Guardian

The winners are not defined by party or ideology.

The Guardian

They are not defined by whether they attract women, particularly.

The New Yorker

"Superheroes are not defined by their powers or their physique.

The Guardian

Words are not defined solely by those who utter them.

The Economist

These works may be informed by their creators' identities – but are not defined by them.

The Guardian - Music

Second, our expectations for white presidents are not defined by leadership roles of whites in films.

The New York Times

They are not defined by an individual's status at any given time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Crucially, they are not defined in the way SDS defines them.

The Guardian

"We are not defined by our limits, but by our potential".

The Guardian

The words "active Federal service" are not defined in 50 U.S.C. 1052.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not defined", ensure you provide context or explanation as to why the concept lacks definition. This helps the reader understand the implications of the undefined term.

Common error

Avoid using "are not defined" when a definition is commonly understood or implicitly provided within the context. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem unnecessarily verbose or pedantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not defined" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject lacks a precise or established definition. This usage is supported by Ludwig, as evidenced by its numerous examples across various contexts. It serves to highlight the absence of clear boundaries or specifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the absence of a clear or established definition. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes clear why the term lacks definition and what implications this has for the discussion. Common alternatives include "remain undefined" and "lack definition". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to denote concepts, terms or parameters that lack a clear or established definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain undefined

Replaces "are not defined" with a more concise and direct expression of the same meaning.

lack definition

Focuses on the absence of definition, offering a slightly more emphatic alternative.

are not specified

Emphasizes the absence of explicit specification or detailing.

are not delineated

Highlights the absence of clear boundaries or demarcations.

are not characterized

Focuses on the absence of defining characteristics or attributes.

are not determined

Indicates that the values or outcomes have not been established or decided.

are not identified

Highlights the lack of recognition or pinpointing of specific items or factors.

are not outlined

Emphasizes the absence of a structured or detailed plan.

are not established

Focuses on the absence of a firm or lasting foundation.

are not clarified

Highlights the absence of clear explanation or understanding.

FAQs

What does "are not defined" mean?

The phrase "are not defined" indicates that something lacks a clear or established definition. It's used to express that a term, concept, or parameter doesn't have a precise meaning or specific boundaries.

How can I rephrase "are not defined"?

You can use alternatives like "remain undefined", "lack definition", or "are not specified" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not defined" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "are not defined" when discussing concepts or terms that do not have a clear or universally accepted meaning, or when you need to emphasize that a specific parameter has not been precisely established.

Is there a more formal alternative to "are not defined"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "are not delineated" or "are not characterized", which convey a similar meaning with a more technical or academic tone.