difficult to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts, terms, or ideas that lack a clear or universally accepted definition. Example: "The concept of happiness is often considered difficult to define, as it varies greatly from person to person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Premature ejaculation is difficult to define.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's rather difficult to define.

The Guardian

Interesting prose is difficult to define.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to define precisely," he laughs.

The Guardian

American Folk art is difficult to define.

The New York Times - Arts

Biologically consistent taxa difficult to define.

University of California, Berkeley

It is difficult to define and perhaps I shouldn't try.

The New Yorker

Even seven years in, Pinterest is difficult to define.

The Guardian

It's an important issue, but difficult to define.

The Guardian

The spun sugar of Valentino's luxury is difficult to define.

The New York Times

It is easy to recognise, but fiendishly difficult to define.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difficult to define", acknowledge the lack of a universally accepted definition and explain why it is challenging to define in the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to define" as a substitute for specific explanations. Instead of simply stating that something is "difficult to define", elaborate on the specific complexities and nuances that make a clear definition challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to define" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or concept, indicating that it lacks a clear or precise definition. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to define" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the lack of a clear or universally accepted definition for a term or concept. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently across various domains, including news, science, and academia. When using "difficult to define", it's crucial to elaborate on the specific complexities that hinder a straightforward definition rather than simply stating the difficulty. Alternatives include "hard to articulate" or "challenging to describe". This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of its usage, common errors, and related phrases, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problematic to define

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", emphasizing the troublesome aspect of defining something.

not easily defined

Uses a negative construction to express the difficulty in defining something.

hard to articulate

Focuses on the challenge of expressing something clearly, rather than the definition itself.

challenging to describe

Emphasizes the complexity in describing something comprehensively.

elusive to define

Highlights the evasive quality of the concept, making it hard to pin down with a definition.

complex in its definition

Highlights the complexity inherent in the definition of something.

lacking a clear definition

Shifts the focus to the absence of a well-defined meaning.

resists easy definition

Implies that the subject actively avoids or prevents a simple definition.

defies simple definition

Similar to "resists easy definition", but with a stronger sense of impossibility.

subject to interpretation

Indicates that the meaning is open to different understandings, making a single definition elusive.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to define" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to define" to introduce a term or concept that lacks a clear, universally accepted meaning. For example, "The concept of beauty is often considered "difficult to define" because it is subjective and varies from culture to culture."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult to define"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to articulate", "challenging to describe", or "not easily defined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to explain why something is "difficult to define" rather than just stating it?

Yes, explaining the underlying complexities and nuances that make something ""difficult to define"" provides a more insightful and informative explanation. Simply stating that something is difficult to define lacks depth.

What makes a concept "difficult to define"?

A concept might be ""difficult to define"" due to its subjectivity, abstract nature, evolving understanding, or dependence on context. It can also result from cultural differences or a lack of precise measurement tools.