imperfect knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imperfect knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing limitations in understanding or information, often in philosophical, scientific, or economic discussions. Example: "In economics, the concept of imperfect knowledge suggests that individuals do not have access to all relevant information when making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But imperfect knowledge cannot be equated with absolute ignorance.

The New York Times - Books

It's something that's important to me, in fiction: imperfect knowledge.

The New Yorker

INSURANCE rests on the idea of imperfect knowledge.

The Economist

Concepts, principles, and methods for planning with imperfect knowledge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

All insurance is about predicting the future based on imperfect knowledge of the present.

The New York Times - Magazine

But even imperfect knowledge of a language acquired in adulthood is useful and interesting.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are co-authors of Imperfect Knowledge Economics and Beyond Mechanical Markets.

The Guardian - Business

4. The United States still has imperfect knowledge of what's going on in North Korea.

The Washington Post

The plaintiff had to choose at once, in agitation and with imperfect knowledge.

Harvard University

The development of BAY 43-9006, the drug Mr. Smith takes, has also been marked by imperfect knowledge and serendipity.

The New York Times

For each parameter, the manufacturer's imperfect knowledge is characterized by a subjective distribution.

International Journal of Production Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing decision-making under "imperfect knowledge", specify the types of limitations, such as incomplete data or biased sources, to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "imperfect knowledge" interchangeably with "misinformation". "Imperfect knowledge" indicates a lack of complete information, while misinformation implies the presence of false or misleading information. Be precise in your language to accurately convey the nature of the information deficit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imperfect knowledge" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a state of having incomplete or flawed understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imperfect knowledge" is a noun phrase that refers to a state of incomplete or flawed understanding. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, scientific and academic contexts. When using the phrase, it is important to distinguish it from related concepts like "misinformation". Alternative phrases include "incomplete understanding" or "partial information", among others. Being aware of the nuances of this phrase can improve the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomplete understanding

Focuses on the understanding being not fully formed, shifting the emphasis from knowledge itself to the comprehension of it.

limited awareness

Highlights the restricted scope of consciousness or perception, differing by focusing on the level of consciousness.

partial information

Emphasizes the fragment nature of the data available, instead of a lack of a completed knowledge state.

deficient information

Highlights that the information is not present, which implies more serious flaws in knowledge than "imperfect knowledge".

flawed understanding

Indicates the comprehension contains errors and inaccuracies, implying a more active misunderstanding than a simple lack of knowledge.

sketchy knowledge

Suggests a superficial and unsubstantial grasp of the subject matter, which makes emphasis on a superficial and non-detailed grasp.

fragmentary knowledge

Highlights the disconnected nature of the information, emphasizing the lack of coherence rather than the imperfection.

unreliable information

Centers on the trustworthiness of the data, changing the focus from the state of knowledge to the quality of the information.

uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of sureness or conviction, a more general term relating to a state of doubt.

approximate knowledge

Stresses that the knowledge is not precise but close to the truth. It highlights the approximation instead of imperfection.

FAQs

How can I use "imperfect knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "imperfect knowledge" to describe situations where information is incomplete or uncertain, such as: "Decision-making often occurs under conditions of "imperfect knowledge", requiring us to make the best possible choices with the available data."

What are some alternatives to "imperfect knowledge"?

Alternatives to "imperfect knowledge" include "incomplete understanding", "limited awareness", or "partial information". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "imperfect information" instead of "imperfect knowledge"?

While "imperfect information" is a valid phrase, "imperfect knowledge" generally refers to a state of understanding, whereas "imperfect information" refers to the quality of the data itself. They are closely related but not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "imperfect knowledge" and "uncertainty"?

"Imperfect knowledge" refers specifically to the lack of complete or accurate information, while "uncertainty" is a broader term that encompasses doubt or lack of conviction, even when all available information is considered.