is not clearly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not clearly defined" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is not clearly described, explained, or understood. This phrase can be used in various contexts, but it is often used to describe a concept, idea, or term that lacks a precise or specific definition. Example: The term "happiness" is not clearly defined, as it can have different meanings to different people.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But net benefit is not clearly defined in the law.

The New York Times

There are some benefits of getting involved in a movement that is not clearly defined.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the key organ/tissue driving the IF-induced metabolic benefits is not clearly defined.

Nature

THE role of the pituitary gland in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy is not clearly defined.

Nature

However, the functional domain of Ov-ASP-1 as an adjuvant is not clearly defined.

Vaccine

The population that benefits from or is harmed by the procedure is not clearly defined.

Seminars in Perinatology

Its boundary is not clearly defined and thus the recognition process is more difficult.

Computers & Graphics

Justification for performing this procedure is not clearly defined within the literature.

Australian Critical Care

But what kinds of cyberattacks count as force is a hard question, because force is not clearly defined".

The New York Times

However, it is not clearly defined yet the operation of this fortified network in the Andalusian territory.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Nevertheless, too much of the exhibition is still unfocused, and its overall purpose is not clearly defined.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not clearly defined", provide context or examples to illustrate the ambiguity. This helps the reader understand the specific area of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid assuming that readers will automatically grasp what aspect is "not clearly defined". Always specify the subject and the area of ambiguity to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not clearly defined" functions as a qualifier, indicating a lack of precision or clarity in the definition of a concept, term, or process. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies that something lacks a precise or specific definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not clearly defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of clarity or precision in the definition of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI explains, it's commonly employed across various domains, especially in scientific and news-related contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is not clearly specified" or "lacks a clear definition" can offer nuanced variations in meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not precisely defined

Highlights the absence of precision in the definition.

is not clearly specified

Replaces 'defined' with 'specified', implying a lack of explicit specification.

is not explicitly defined

Emphasizes the lack of explicit definition, making the meaning unmistakable.

lacks a clear definition

Shifts the structure to emphasize the absence of a clear definition.

is not clearly delineated

Focuses on the boundaries not being well-marked or distinguished.

is not clearly determined

Suggests a lack of definitive determination or establishment.

is not clearly described

Highlights the absence of a lucid description.

is not clearly identified

Emphasizes the absence of clear identification or recognition.

is not clearly understood

Focuses on the lack of a clear comprehension or understanding.

remains undefined

Highlights the state of being undefined or lacking a definition.

FAQs

How can I use "is not clearly defined" in a sentence?

You can use "is not clearly defined" to indicate that a term, concept, or boundary lacks a precise or specific definition. For example: 'The term "sustainability" is not clearly defined, leading to varied interpretations'.

What are some alternatives to "is not clearly defined"?

Alternatives include "is not clearly specified", "is not explicitly defined", or "lacks a clear definition". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not clearly defined" or "is undefined"?

"Is not clearly defined" emphasizes the lack of clarity in an existing definition, while "is undefined" suggests that no definition exists at all. The better choice depends on whether there's an attempt at a definition or a complete absence of one.

What does it mean when something "is not clearly defined"?

It means that the boundaries, scope, or meaning of something are ambiguous, vague, or subject to interpretation. This can lead to confusion or disagreement about its application or implications.