is not defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something lacks a clear or established meaning or value, often in technical or academic discussions. Example: "In this equation, the variable x is not defined for negative values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, deservingness is not defined.

The New York Times

Parliamentary committee business is not defined.

The Guardian

"Consumer" is not defined in the title.

Columbia University

'Thing' is an open-ended term and is not defined.

The Guardian

Success is not defined by monetary value alone.

The New York Times

"A man is not defined by one act.

The Guardian

Without promising something that is not defined yet..

The Guardian

Religious faith is not defined by logic, it defies it.

The New York Times

He is not defined by any observable attributes.

The New York Times - Books

However, "potential wilderness" is not defined in the Wilderness Act.

University of California, Berkeley

At the origin, the vector field is not defined.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not defined", ensure the context clearly indicates what lacks definition. Be specific about the element or concept that requires clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "is not defined" without specifying what exactly lacks definition. Always provide context or suggest where the definition can be found or should be established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not defined" functions as a statement of lacking definition. It indicates that a specific term, concept, or variable does not have a clear or established meaning within the given context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not defined" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of clear or established meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While simple, the phrase calls attention to potential ambiguity and calls for greater specificity. Alternatives include "is undefined", "is not specified", and "lacks definition", each carrying subtle differences in connotation. When using "is not defined", writers should strive to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is undefined

Focuses on the lack of definition, similar to the original phrase.

lacks definition

Highlights the absence of a clear definition.

is not specified

Indicates that something has not been explicitly stated or detailed.

is not delineated

Suggests a lack of clear boundaries or limits.

is not determined

Highlights that something has not yet been decided or established.

is not clarified

Emphasizes a lack of clearness or precision.

remains ambiguous

Implies that something is open to multiple interpretations.

is not established

Focuses on the absence of a confirmed or recognized status.

is not identified

Indicates a lack of recognition or specification.

is not characterized

Emphasizes the absence of a description of its attributes or qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "is not defined" to indicate that a term, concept, or variable lacks a clear or established meaning within a particular context. For example: "In this context, 'success' "is not defined" by monetary value alone."

What are some alternatives to "is not defined"?

Alternatives include "is undefined", "is not specified", or "lacks definition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "is not defined" instead of "is undefined"?

Both phrases are very similar, but ""is not defined"" might be preferred in contexts where a definition is expected or should exist, while ""is undefined"" is more neutral regarding the expectation of a definition.

What does it mean when something "is not defined" in a legal document?

If a term ""is not defined"" in a legal document, its meaning can be subject to interpretation, potentially leading to disputes. Courts may look to common usage, industry standards, or other legal precedents to determine its meaning.