definition overly broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definition overly broad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a definition that encompasses too much or lacks specificity, making it unclear or ambiguous. Example: "The definition overly broad makes it difficult to apply the concept in practical situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

News & Media

Encyclopedia Britannica

Science Magazine

BMC Health Services Research

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

BMC Public Health

Critical Care

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Due to the fact that some researchers find this definition overly broad, neuropathic pain has also been characterized as pain caused by lesions of the peripheral or central nervous system (or both) that manifest sensory symptoms or signs [ 4].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their definition of agriculture is overly broad; they include puppy mills, for instance.

The New York Times

The bill is predicated on an overly broad definition of "small business" — one with fewer than 500 employees, which can include multimillion-dollar partnerships and corporations.

The New York Times

Prevent's overly broad definition of extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values – creates a systemic risk of violations of the right to freedom of expression, the right against discrimination and the right to privacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

McDonnell's defence contended that the court had used an overly broad definition of bribery, punishing the type of actions that many elected officials carry out on behalf of constituents.

The Guardian

Rather, he added, the government has been concerned that the World Health Organization's definition of SARS is overly broad, and has followed the advice of its own panel of local doctors in categorizing cases.

The New York Times

If you put together the pieces of publicly available information, it seems that the Obama administration, like the Bush administration before it, has acted with an overly broad definition of what it means to be engaged in combat.

The New York Times

Abbe Lowell, a powerhouse Washington criminal defense lawyer who recently joined Mr. Edwards's legal team, spent much of the hearing arguing that the government's case was vindictive, politically motivated and based on an overly broad definition of campaign contributions.

The New York Times

In particular, Mr. Lawsky wrote, the comptroller is trying to use an overly broad definition to determine whether it can overrule a state law and ignoring a mandate to review state consumer laws on a case-by-case basis.

The New York Times

While some legal experts questioned the validity of the government's case, saying it was applying an overly broad definition of campaign contributions, others say it is important that candidates take campaign finance law seriously.

The New York Times

The Republican claim about wealthy small business job creators, it turns out, is based on a convenient and overly broad definition of "small" that includes partnerships and S-corporations, like hedge funds, accounting firms, law practices and other often big businesses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a "definition overly broad", specify which aspects are problematic and how they could be narrowed for better clarity and applicability.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a definition is "overly broad" without providing concrete examples of how it is too inclusive or leads to misinterpretations. Support your assertion with specific instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definition overly broad" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to critique or characterize a definition as being too inclusive or lacking necessary specificity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression, especially when arguing against an ill-defined concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definition overly broad" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, according to Ludwig AI, that serves to critique definitions lacking precision. It frequently appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across various fields. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples illustrating how the definition's breadth leads to issues, rather than simply stating the obvious. Alternatives such as ""definition too wide"" or "definition lacking precision" can add nuance depending on the specific concern. Addressing an overly broad definition involves specifying the problematic aspects and suggesting ways to narrow the scope for improved clarity and application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definition too wide

Focuses on the extent of the definition rather than its clarity.

definition excessively inclusive

Highlights the idea that the definition includes too many elements.

definition lacking precision

Emphasizes the absence of specific details in the definition.

definition excessively general

Indicates the definition is too broad and not specific enough.

definition vague and expansive

Combines the concepts of vagueness and broadness in the definition.

definition imprecise and all-encompassing

Stresses both the lack of precision and the wide scope of the definition.

definition stretched too far

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest the definition has been applied too broadly.

definition encompassing too much

Directly states that the definition includes too many elements.

definition broad in scope

Highlights the wide range covered by the definition.

definition loosely defined

Indicates a lack of strict boundaries in the definition.

FAQs

How can I identify if a definition is overly broad?

Check if the definition includes too many diverse elements, making it difficult to apply consistently or leading to unintended consequences. Look for a lack of specific criteria or boundaries that would narrow its scope. If you find that the definition's "definition too wide" then consider it overly broad.

What are the consequences of using an overly broad definition?

An "overly broad" definition can lead to misapplication of the concept, inconsistent interpretations, and difficulty in practical implementation. It can also create loopholes or unintended inclusion of irrelevant cases.

What can I say instead of "definition overly broad"?

You can use alternatives like ""definition too wide"", "definition lacking precision", or "definition excessively general" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always negative to have a broad definition?

Not necessarily. A broad definition can be useful in exploratory or conceptual stages, but it often needs refinement and narrowing for practical application and precise communication. The key is whether the breadth hinders clarity or effectiveness.