is fuzzy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fuzzy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unclear, vague, or not sharply defined. Example: "The explanation of the concept is fuzzy, making it difficult for students to grasp the main idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its meaning is fuzzy.

The Economist

He is fuzzy.

The New Yorker

Legally, it is fuzzy.

The Economist

"Intuition," by contrast, is fuzzy.

The New York Times - Books

This is fuzzy number-crunching.

The New York Times

The first is fuzzy and erratic regulation.

The Economist

Just how critical is fuzzy math?

The New York Times - Arts

But the division of labour is fuzzy.

The Economist

How they will do this is fuzzy.

The Economist

By convention, only the smallest digit is fuzzy.

The New York Times

My own view in the competition debate is fuzzy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is fuzzy" when you want to convey that something lacks clear definition or is not well-understood. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "vague" or "ambiguous" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "is fuzzy" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to enhance clarity and credibility. For example, instead of saying "the data is fuzzy", consider stating "the data lacks precision" or "the data contains inconsistencies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is fuzzy" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase to describe something that lacks clarity or sharpness. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is fuzzy" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a lack of clarity or definition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts. While widely used in news, science, and general media, it's important to consider the specific context and audience. In more formal settings, substituting with more precise language like "is vague" or "is ambiguous" may be preferable. Overall, "is fuzzy" serves as a useful tool for conveying a lack of sharpness in both concrete and abstract terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is vague

Indicates a lack of definiteness or explicitness.

is unclear

Suggests a lack of clarity or understanding.

is ill-defined

Implies that something lacks a clear boundary or definition.

is hazy

Suggests a lack of clarity due to being indistinct or blurred.

is blurred

Indicates that something lacks sharp definition and is difficult to distinguish.

is imprecise

Implies a lack of exactness or accuracy.

is ambiguous

Suggests that something has multiple possible interpretations.

is indefinite

Implies a lack of specific limits or boundaries.

is murky

Suggests a lack of clarity due to being confused or obscure.

is nebulous

Implies a lack of clear shape, form, or content.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is fuzzy"?

When something "is fuzzy", it means it lacks clarity, precision, or definition. It can refer to concepts, memories, images, or boundaries that are not sharply defined.

What can I say instead of "is fuzzy"?

You can use alternatives like "is vague", "is unclear", or "is ill-defined" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is fuzzy" in academic writing?

While acceptable, using "is fuzzy" in academic writing should be done with caution. Consider if more precise alternatives like "is ambiguous" or "lacks precision" might be more suitable for the formal tone.

How does "is fuzzy" differ from "is blurry"?

"Is fuzzy" typically refers to a lack of conceptual clarity or definition, while "is blurry" usually describes a visual image that is out of focus. Although both suggest a lack of sharpness, their applications differ.