did not define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was not clearly explained or specified. Example: "The report did not define the parameters of the study, leading to confusion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did not define "troubles".

The New York Times

But it did not define either term.

The Economist

Their jobs did not define them.

The New York Times - Arts

The article did not define "ordinary".

The New York Times

The hospital initially did not define "minimally".

The New York Times

The president did not define "high".

The New York Times

It did not define "reasonable costs".

The New York Times - Health

Maybe they did not define a generation.

The New York Times

But the legislation did not define small business.

The New York Times

She did not define what would constitute a clean athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

(The Pew survey did not define the term).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not define", ensure the context clearly indicates what should have been defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the critique.

Common error

Avoid using "did not define" without a clear subject or reference. For instance, instead of "It was not defined", specify "The policy did not define eligibility criteria."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not define" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the absence of a clear or precise definition for a term, concept, or item. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not define" is a grammatically correct and common way to express that something lacks a clear or precise definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various fields, including news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context about what lacks definition to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like "failed to define" or "did not specify" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to define

Indicates a failure to provide a definition, emphasizing the omission.

left undefined

Highlights the state of being without a definition, focusing on the result.

did not specify

Emphasizes the absence of specific details or criteria.

did not clarify

Focuses on the lack of clarification or explanation.

omitted the definition of

Highlights the act of leaving out the definition.

did not delineate

Focuses on the absence of clear boundaries or distinctions.

did not explain

Emphasizes the lack of explanation or interpretation.

remained vague about

Highlights the lack of clarity or precision.

provided no definition for

Emphasizes the complete absence of a definition.

did not detail

Indicates a lack of detailed information or specification.

FAQs

How can I use "did not define" in a sentence?

You can use "did not define" to point out the lack of clarity or specification. For example, "The contract "did not define" the scope of work."

What's a more formal way to say "did not define"?

A more formal alternative could be "failed to specify" or "omitted the definition of". For instance, "The report "failed to specify" the methodology used."

What is the difference between "did not define" and "did not explain"?

"Did not define" indicates a lack of a formal definition, while "did not explain" suggests a lack of explanation or interpretation. For example, "The manual "did not define" the technical terms, and "did not explain" the underlying principles."

When is it appropriate to use "did not define" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to criticize or point out a lack of clarity, precision, or completeness. Example: "The regulations "did not define" the criteria for compliance, creating confusion among stakeholders."