cannot be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, terms, or ideas that lack a clear or universally accepted definition. Example: "The term 'freedom' cannot be defined in a way that satisfies everyone, as it varies greatly among cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That interest cannot be defined with precision.

Cornell University

The Tao cannot be defined; the Liberal Arts cannot be defined.

The Washington Post

"Our community cannot be defined by one group.

The New York Times

Digital initiatives cannot be defined in an executive black box.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What constitutes "fair use" cannot be defined with precision.

Harvard University

Corrosion cannot be defined without a reference to environment.

Principles of Corrosion Engineering and Corrosion Control

Therefore, lesser degrees of demyelination cannot be defined with certainty.

Revue Neurologique

Augustus' position as princeps cannot be defined simply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You cannot be defined by that in the athletic world.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a small group of people who cannot be defined as protestors/demonstrators.

The Guardian

But it is the shadow that is exciting, the light that cannot be defined".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be defined", ensure the context clearly indicates what is preventing a definition, such as complexity, subjectivity, or lack of consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be defined" when a more accurate statement would be that a definition is difficult or contested, rather than completely impossible. The absence of a universally accepted definition does not necessarily mean something is indefinable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be defined" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is unable to be given a clear or precise definition. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show the phrase in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing the lack of a definitive explanation or boundary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

29%

News & Media

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be defined" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something lacks a clear or universally accepted definition. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is acceptable and versatile, appearing frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the specific nuance and avoid overstating the impossibility of definition when a more nuanced approach, such as saying something "is difficult to define", may be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "cannot be described" or "eludes definition" can provide a more precise meaning, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be delineated

This alternative focuses on the difficulty of establishing clear boundaries or limits.

cannot be described

This alternative emphasizes the inability to provide a comprehensive account.

cannot be determined

This alternative highlights the impossibility of ascertaining or establishing something definitively.

cannot be characterized

This alternative focuses on the difficulty of identifying the distinctive qualities or features of something.

cannot be ascertained

This alternative focuses on the impossibility of finding something out for certain.

cannot be pinpointed

This alternative highlights the inability to identify precisely or exactly.

eludes definition

This alternative suggests that the concept is difficult to grasp or capture in words.

defies definition

This alternative emphasizes the resistance of the concept to being defined.

is impossible to define

This alternative uses a slightly more explicit phrasing.

lacks a clear definition

This alternative focuses on the absence of a well-established definition.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be defined" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be defined" when discussing something that lacks a precise or universally accepted definition. For example, "The concept of consciousness "cannot be defined" in a way that satisfies all scientists."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be defined"?

You can use alternatives such as "cannot be described", "eludes definition", or "lacks a clear definition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to say something "cannot be defined"?

It might be incorrect if a workable definition exists, even if it's not perfect. Saying something ""cannot be defined"" implies a complete lack of a usable definition.

What's the difference between "cannot be defined" and "is difficult to define"?

"Cannot be defined" suggests a fundamental impossibility of creating a definition, while "is difficult to define" implies that a definition is possible, but challenging to achieve. The latter acknowledges the existence of potential definitions and only indicates difficulty in arriving to such a conclusion. Instead ""cannot be defined"" is more of a hard statement.