Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
delineated
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "delineated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to make a distinction between two or more items, or to draw a clear line of separation between them. Example sentence: The boundaries of each country were delineated on the map.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
That makes proton beam therapy really useful for attacking tumours that can be precisely delineated and targeted, to spare other parts of the brain.
News & Media
Mary sits humbly, profoundly aware of her task, in a loggia whose architecture is brilliantly delineated in depth.
News & Media
The FSOC has delineated three broad reasons to label a firm a SIFI: the exposure it has to others in the sector (AIG, for example, had lots); the responsibility it holds for important bits of the financial system; and, finally, the impact a run on the institution might have.MetLife has responded to each of these concerns.
News & Media
I think one of the real challenges as artificial intelligence develops is that we're going to have to look increasingly at how intelligence emerges in systems that have no clear boundaries and can't be delineated as separate persons, and our political system and our economic laws may come to seem increasingly antiquated and baroque, designed for beings that no longer exist.(Photo credit: AFP).
News & Media
Moreover, the powers of a Kurdish region, however delineated, within a federal Iraqi state are still to be decided, and will be fiercely debated by the constitutional drafters chosen by the national parliament that is to emerge after this month's election.For now, the Kurds are revelling in their autonomy.
News & Media
These artists became part of a wider ZERO network whose membership was never strictly delineated.
News & Media
And Israel may beef up the controversial barrier, erected in recent years to keep out suicide-bombers, which cuts into Palestinian territory delineated by the border of 1967.
News & Media
The resources on land lie within clearly delineated borders and those under the sea which include an estimated 83 billion barrels of oil, more than Russia's proven reserves today are largely in shallow waters within the uncontested jurisdiction of coastal states.
News & Media
The mayor, Ehud Olmert, wants it to follow the wide municipal boundaries of the city as delineated by Israel unilaterally, in the immediate aftermath of the 1967 war.
News & Media
Both sides complain that independent counsels are appointed too frequently and that, once appointed, they can expand their investigations too easily as Mr Starr did, ranging from obscure Arkansas land deals to Oval Office sex.This has been so widely criticised that future presidential prosecutors are likely to find their responsibilities more narrowly delineated.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
Sharply-delineated voter blocs are alarmingly willing to believe that rival groups are up to no good or taking more than their fair share.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Pair "delineated" with adverbs such as 'clearly', 'precisely', or 'carefully' to further emphasize the level of detail and accuracy involved.
Common error
Avoid using "delineated" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like 'defined' or 'outlined' are often more appropriate and sound less pretentious.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "delineated" is as a past participle of the verb 'delineate'. It is often used adjectivally to describe something that has been clearly defined or outlined, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig. It also functions as a verb in passive voice constructions.
Frequent in
Science
37%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
6%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Reference
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "delineated" is the past participle of the verb 'delineate', functioning primarily to describe something that has been clearly and precisely defined. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. This guide has shown that "delineated" is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, reflecting its formal register. While synonyms like "defined" or "outlined" may be suitable in less formal settings, "delineated" adds a sense of meticulousness and accuracy, making it particularly useful when precision is key. Avoid overuse in casual conversation; however, in formal writing, knowing how to use "delineated" can elevate your content by clearly showing precision.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
clearly defined
Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the definition.
precisely outlined
Highlights the accuracy and detail in the outlining.
carefully demarcated
Focuses on the careful establishment of boundaries.
distinctly portrayed
Stresses the clarity and vividness of the portrayal.
accurately depicted
Highlights the faithfulness and correctness of the depiction.
specifically identified
Emphasizes the explicit and unambiguous identification.
explicitly stated
Focuses on the clear and direct expression of information.
sharply distinguished
Highlights the clear separation between different elements.
circumscribed
Implies setting limits or boundaries, often in a precise manner.
characterized
Focuses on describing the qualities or features of something.
FAQs
How can I use "delineated" in a sentence?
You can use "delineated" to describe something that has been clearly defined or outlined. For example, "The responsibilities of each team member were clearly delineated."
What is a good synonym for "delineated"?
Good synonyms for "delineated" include "defined", "outlined", and "demarcated". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it better to say "delineated" or "defined"?
"Delineated" and "defined" are similar, but "delineated" suggests a greater level of detail and precision. Use "delineated" when you want to emphasize the thoroughness of the definition.
What does it mean when something is not clearly delineated?
If something is not clearly delineated, it means that its boundaries, characteristics, or responsibilities are vague or undefined. This can lead to confusion or ambiguity.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested