fuzzy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fuzzy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unclear, or indistinct, or that has an unclear shape or outline. For example, "The pictures of the suspect were too fuzzy to identify him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bands were also notable for their layers and layers of warm, fuzzy guitars, vocals enigmatically buried in the mix.

The Guardian - Music

In order for this to happen, organisations need to commit to identifying and nurturing female leaders – not because they've been told to or from some fuzzy notions about "equality", but because they recognise that it will benefit them.

The Guardian

The rules about this are fuzzy, but the convention is that he shouldn't tender his resignation until it is clear that he won't be able to govern and there is a viable replacement.

The Guardian

Ted? My point is, I felt obliged to make these fuzzy, huggy memories because this was my student dorm, where I must make Lifelong Friends.

The Guardian

For most of us, particularly in an era of portfolio careers, multitasking and endless reassessments of our training needs, success and failure are diffuse and fuzzy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chasing after dinosaurs is really a quest to fill in part of our own backstory, not least of all because our own fuzzy, shrew-like ancestors scurried under their feet for over 160 million years.

The Guardian - Opinion

He once referred to "fuzzy wuzzies in Brixton" and complained that India was "high on the buggeration factor".

The Guardian

Which is why eating forms the basis of much scientific experimentation into the mechanics behind that elusive warm, fuzzy sense of wellbeing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Details began getting fuzzy and I'm not sure what happened after that.

The Guardian

AS WITH many other things that happened in the 1960s, the origin of the conflict between the governing wing and the ideological wing of the Republican Party is a bit fuzzy.

The Economist

It doesn't matter if she fails to toss it around the cup .It is an unusually warm and fuzzy scene given the harsh reputation of Ms Qin's employers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fuzzy" when describing visual elements that are not sharp or well-defined. For example, "The photograph was fuzzy due to poor lighting."

Common error

Avoid using "fuzzy" excessively in formal or academic writing where precision is essential. Opt for more specific terms like 'ambiguous' or 'ill-defined' to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "fuzzy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of clarity, precision, or sharpness. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in describing both physical attributes (e.g., "fuzzy guitars") and abstract concepts (e.g., "fuzzy notions").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fuzzy" is a versatile adjective used to describe something lacking clarity or precision, whether physically or conceptually. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. While it's acceptable in many situations, more precise terms may be preferable in formal academic or scientific writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing a range of subjects, from "fuzzy guitars" to "fuzzy math", solidifying its place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear

Indicates a lack of clarity or definition, similar to "fuzzy" in its vagueness.

indistinct

Implies a lack of clear boundaries or features, akin to "fuzzy" when describing something lacking sharpness.

vague

Suggests a lack of precision or detail, mirroring "fuzzy" in its imprecision.

blurred

Describes a lack of sharp focus or definition, much like "fuzzy" when referring to images or memories.

hazy

Implies a lack of clarity due to atmospheric conditions or mental state, similar to "fuzzy" in its ambiguity.

imprecise

Indicates a lack of accuracy or exactness, echoing "fuzzy" in its inexactness.

blurred

Refers to something lacking focus or sharpness, similar to "fuzzy" in visual or conceptual terms.

out of focus

Describes something not clearly defined, like "fuzzy" when referring to an image.

ill-defined

Indicates a lack of clear definition or boundaries, akin to "fuzzy" in its lack of clarity.

soft

Suggests a lack of sharpness or harshness, mirroring "fuzzy" in its lack of definition.

FAQs

How can I use "fuzzy" in a sentence?

You can use "fuzzy" to describe something that is unclear, indistinct, or lacks sharp definition. For example, "The details of the plan are still "fuzzy"." It can also describe something covered in fuzz, like "a "fuzzy" sweater".

What are some synonyms for "fuzzy"?

Some synonyms for "fuzzy" include "vague", "unclear", "blurred", "hazy", and "indistinct". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "fuzzy" and "blurry"?

"Fuzzy" often implies a lack of clear definition or detail, whether physical or conceptual. "Blurry" typically refers to a visual lack of sharpness, as in a photograph. While both can describe a lack of clarity, "blurry" is more specifically visual.

When is it appropriate to use "fuzzy" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "fuzzy" when describing something that lacks clarity, either literally (e.g., a "fuzzy" image) or figuratively (e.g., "fuzzy" memories). It's less appropriate in formal contexts requiring precise language.