definition so broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definition so broad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the scope or extent of a definition, particularly when it encompasses a wide range of meanings or interpretations. Example: "The definition so broad makes it difficult to apply the concept in specific situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Others employ it as a synonym for the entire workforce, a definition so broad as to be meaningless.Nor does stocking up on talent seem to protect companies from getting it spectacularly wrong.

The Economist

Ted "A Series Of Tubes" Stevens is at it again: The senior U.S. senator from Alaska has introduced Senate Bill 49, a lovely bit of legislation that would require federally subsidized schools and libraries to block access to interactive Web sites a definition so broad it could affect everything from MySpace to Wikipedia to this blog….

Forbes

Author reply: We had not realized that respiration could have as broad a definition as that given by the reviewer, a definition so broad that it includes substrate-level phosphorylation.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This definition is so broad as "to include virtually every corporate utterance," the three leading advertising industry trade associations tell the justices in a brief for Nike.

The New York Times

In the US, the state of Illinois saw a new law take effect on 1 January which bars known sex offenders from social networking websites, but the definition is so broad as to potentially exclude them from risk-free online zones such as job-hunting websites, Amazon and even Google.

Independent

This definition is so broad that it would include most functional textiles.

Textiles for Protection

This definition is so broad and vague that it can be applied to almost any action or statement.

Huffington Post

But how do you know what content is "relevant" when the definition is so broad and audience perception is always changing?

Huffington Post

Human Rights Watch says this definition is so broad and vague that it applies to virtually all aspects of human rights or advocacy work in Russia.

Huffington Post

One might argue that such a definition is so broad that it becomes meaningless, yet Table 1 shows that even this very broad grouping shows substantially poorer health on a variety of outcomes as compared to those not identified by any indicator, i.e. healthy children.

BMC Pediatrics

Although a widely used (RAND corporation) definition rests simply on whether the benefits of any procedure or service outweigh any risks by a wide enough margin to make it worthwhile providing [ 18], this definition is so broad that interpretation of appropriateness varies widely between assessor - even within professional group - and importantly, in ways that are not transparent [ 31].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "definition so broad", ensure that you clarify why the breadth is problematic or what specific consequences it leads to. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a "definition so broad" is inherently bad. Instead, explain why its broadness creates issues or ambiguities in a specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definition so broad" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (definition) to indicate its extensive scope. It is typically used to express concern or critique about the lack of specificity or boundaries of a definition. As Ludwig AI explains, its usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definition so broad" is a grammatically correct descriptor used to express concern about a definition's excessive scope. While Ludwig indicates its grammatical correctness, its infrequent usage suggests that more specific alternatives might often be preferred. It commonly appears in neutral registers, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity about why the breadth is problematic is essential for effective communication. Common errors involve failing to provide sufficient context or justification for criticizing the definition's scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly inclusive definition

Focuses on the excessiveness of inclusion in the definition.

excessively wide definition

Highlights the extensive range covered by the definition.

definition too encompassing

Emphasizes the all-embracing nature of the definition.

definition lacking specificity

Points out the absence of precise boundaries in the definition.

vague and ill-defined concept

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision in the concept's definition.

ambiguous definition

Highlights the uncertainty and openness to interpretation of the definition.

imprecise terminology

Focuses on the lack of exactness in the terms used in the definition.

loosely defined term

Indicates that the term's boundaries are not strictly set.

general and sweeping definition

Emphasizes the broad and far-reaching nature of the definition.

poorly circumscribed definition

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or limitations in the definition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "definition so broad" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases such as "overly inclusive definition", "excessively wide definition", or "definition lacking specificity" to achieve a more formal tone. These alternatives emphasize the scope issue while maintaining a professional register.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "definition so broad"?

It's appropriate when discussing how the wide scope of a definition might lead to practical problems, misinterpretations, or unintended consequences. Ensure that you provide context for why the breadth is an issue.

What are some potential problems with a definition that is "definition so broad"?

A definition that is "definition so broad" may become meaningless or difficult to apply in specific situations. It can also lead to confusion and inconsistent interpretations. "Overly inclusive definitions" might even encompass scenarios that weren't originally intended, blurring the lines of its utility.

Is there a difference between a "broad definition" and a "vague definition"?

Yes, while both suggest a lack of clarity, a "broad definition" covers a wide range of cases, potentially including unintended ones. A "vague definition", on the other hand, lacks clear boundaries, making it difficult to determine what falls within its scope.