indistinct

USAGE SUMMARY

"indistinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something which is fuzzy or not clearly heard or seen, for example: "The smoke from the fire created an indistinct view of the surrounding area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's comic: Journalist: [Indistinct] apart from actual criminal activity [indistinct] what examples were you aware of [indistinct] community [indistinct] a social [indistinct]?

The Guardian

"The bottom line is that when you look at the daily returns of the S&P 500 from January 2004 to 2014, with and without the fossil fuel companies, they are statistically indistinct".

The Guardian

The most shocking thing about San Andreas, the earth-shifting new disaster movie starring Dwayne Johnson (we're not allowed to call him The Rock anymore – hugely frustrating given the film's subject matter), isn't the slightly ropey dialogue or Kylie Minogue's cameo role as "bitchy woman of indistinct nationality" but the film's casual choice to break a cardinal rule of blockbuster cinema.

The Guardian - Film

Every precious word of Morrison's is there but not those 23 questions, and another 34 patches are held to be "indistinct".

The Guardian

The same day, a Palestinian intelligence officer died in a gun battle with Israeli soldiers in Ramallah.Israel's aim beyond preventive and policing measures designed to counter the terror remains indistinct.

The Economist

But a lesson from the WebCams is that, whatever happens, private Webcasting will continue to boom because people still want to keep an eye on their loved ones, their possessions, or just the conveniences that make a difference to their everyday lives, like the car park at work.Inevitably, the growth of amateur Webcasting will further blur the indistinct boundary between public and private.

The Economist

Another problem is that around 5% of people do not have readable fingerprints, either because their fingerprints are genetically indistinct or because years of manual labour have worn them down.And while the technology is now relatively cheap basic digital fingerprint readers cost less than $100 it is not foolproof.

The Economist

Some indistinct striped smudges on the horizon could be zebra, a large, grey, pointed one a rhino.

The Economist

THE KOREAN WAR.By Brian Catchpole.Carroll & Graf; 384 pages; $26.Constable £25ASS WARS go, the Korean conflict (1950-53) museemeem as far away and indistinct to most outsiders as Sedan or Balaclava.

The Economist

Some might call its indistinct figures and smeary background a mess, unrecognisable to many as a work by his hand.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But no, no, no, minister, is there a deal that Sam Dastyari the New South Wales [indistinct] takes your Senate place?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indistinct" when you want to convey a lack of clarity or definition, whether visual, auditory, or conceptual. Consider the specific nuance you want to communicate and choose a synonym if it fits better.

Common error

While "indistinct" is a valid word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "vague", "blurred", or "obscure" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "indistinct" primarily functions to describe something that lacks clarity, sharpness, or definition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As seen in Ludwig examples, it modifies nouns to indicate a quality of being vague or not easily perceptible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indistinct" is a versatile adjective used to describe something lacking clarity or definition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, with common applications in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While grammatically sound, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "vague" or "blurred" can enhance your writing. Remember to consider the specific nuance you aim to convey and avoid overusing "indistinct" for a more engaging and precise style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blurred

Emphasizes the lack of sharp boundaries, often visually.

vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail.

hazy

Suggests a lack of clarity, often due to atmospheric conditions or confusion.

fuzzy

Implies a lack of clear definition or focus.

unclear

A general term for lacking clarity or certainty.

ill-defined

Highlights the absence of clear boundaries or parameters.

obscure

Suggests something hidden or not easily understood.

indistinguishable

Highlights the inability to tell things apart.

muddled

Implies a state of confusion or disorder.

ambiguous

Indicates the possibility of multiple interpretations.

FAQs

How to use "indistinct" in a sentence?

You can use "indistinct" to describe something that lacks clarity or definition. For example, "The photograph was old and the details were "indistinct"".

What can I say instead of "indistinct"?

You can use alternatives like "vague", "blurred", or "obscure" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "indistinct" and "unclear"?

"Indistinct" suggests a lack of clear definition or sharp outline, while "unclear" is a more general term for lacking clarity or certainty.

Is "indistinct" formal or informal?

"Indistinct" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal writing, consider more precise synonyms if available.