imprecision

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "imprecision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not exact or accurate, for example: "The imprecision of the measurements caused an inaccurate result."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a genuine linguistic affliction that causes confusion and imbues our everyday speech with a clumsiness and imprecision that can be maddening.

The Guardian

This week Johnson complained about the Tories offering "absolutely no detail" about the proposed "really big cuts", while complaining that Labour's imprecision meant "literally we would not know what we were voting for".

The Guardian

Even so, some imprecision creeps in and the final numbers are slightly off from the beginning ones.

WikiHow

Like "weapons of mass destruction", they describe several different distinct threats, and are often used with imprecision.

The Economist

Uncertainty or imprecision of equilibrium issues is, as you rightly note, an important aspect of calculating an equilibrium exchange rate and this is something that the BEER technique can incorporate.

The Economist

He should remember that such, ahem, imprecision can fatally undermine an already difficult turnaround.

The Economist

("Undocumented" is also rejected, on the grounds of imprecision).

The Economist

Many are said to believe that "there is no such thing as society".In this section Now, unite us The perils of imprecision Please release me.

The Economist

I suppose it depends what you mean by "built around", which smacks here of a phrase chosen carefully for its imprecision.

The Economist

From the very first sentence it is inimitably Amis, encompassing what his father, Kingsley, described as "a terrible compulsive vividness in his style" that can also produce imprecision in his imagery and oddly lame descriptions.This is the story of some university friends who spend the summer of 1970 in an Italian castello, as seen through the eyes of Keith Nearing.

The Economist

But they worry about descending into a valley of imprecision and ineloquence before they master the alternative tricks and tactics required by any new ascent.Some attendees wondered how economists would ever get out of this valley.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clear communication, avoid "imprecision" by using specific details and quantifiable data whenever possible. This improves understanding and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "imprecision" as a blanket term for all errors. Instead, identify the specific type of "imprecision" (e.g. rounding errors, vague language) to provide a more accurate and helpful critique.

Linguistic Context

The word "imprecision" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the quality or state of being not precise. It indicates a lack of exactness or accuracy. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imprecision" is a noun that denotes a lack of exactness or accuracy. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic writing. While related to terms like "inaccuracy" and "vagueness", "imprecision" specifically highlights a deficiency in precision. When writing, strive to minimize "imprecision" by using specific details and quantifiable data whenever possible. However, avoid using it as a catch-all term; instead, specify the type of "imprecision" for a more effective analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of precision

Focuses specifically on the absence of precise detail or measurement.

inexactness

Highlights the quality of not being exact or accurate.

vagueness

Emphasizes a lack of clarity or definition.

ambiguity

Suggests the possibility of multiple interpretations or meanings.

lack of clarity

Points to the absence of clearness or ease of understanding.

indefiniteness

Highlights the quality of not being clearly defined or determined.

inaccuracy

Indicates a deviation from correctness or truth.

looseness

Suggests a lack of strictness or precision in application or interpretation.

approximate nature

Focuses on the characteristic of being close to, but not exactly, a value or measurement.

fuzziness

Implies a lack of sharp definition or clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "imprecision" in a sentence?

You can use "imprecision" to describe a lack of accuracy or exactness in measurements, language, or other contexts. For example, "The "imprecision of the data" led to unreliable results."

What are some words similar to "imprecision"?

Alternatives to "imprecision" include "inexactness", "vagueness", and "ambiguity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "imprecision" the same as "inaccuracy"?

While related, "imprecision" refers to a lack of exactness or detail, whereas "inaccuracy" indicates a deviation from correctness or truth. Something can be imprecise without being inaccurate.

When is "imprecision" acceptable?

"Imprecision" may be acceptable when providing estimates or discussing abstract concepts. However, in scientific research and technical writing, minimizing "imprecision" is crucial.