lack of precision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of precision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when a person, or a process, does not provide enough details or is not specific enough. For example: "The engineer's lack of precision in his instructions caused numerous delays in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their lack of precision terrified me".

The Guardian

"I think it's a lack of precision".

The New York Times - Sports

Discussions about class suffer from a lack of precision.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Overwhelming force implies, almost by definition, a lack of precision.

The New Yorker

But that lack of precision may not matter.

The Economist

You can't play with such lack of precision".

Independent

The lack of precision often makes it hard to weed out redundant reports.

The New York Times

Given this lack of precision, even some of fMRI's defenders offer faint praise.

The New Yorker

By now the red-shirted press was working, let down only by a lack of precision.

The Guardian - Sport

Tank described those limits as the lack of precision understanding that mechanics have of a car.

Princeton University

Although the human sense of smell is keen, it is hampered by a lack of precision.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of precision", ensure you clarify what specific aspect lacks precision. For example, instead of saying "there's a lack of precision", specify "there's a lack of precision in the measurements".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of precision" as a vague criticism without providing context. Instead, specify where precision is lacking and the consequences of this imprecision. For instance, clarify whether it's the data collection, analysis, or interpretation that suffers from this issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of precision" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing a deficiency or absence of exactness or accuracy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of precision" is a commonly used noun phrase indicating a deficiency in accuracy or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, serving to highlight shortcomings in detail or exactness. When using "lack of precision", it's essential to specify the area where precision is lacking to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "imprecision", "inaccuracy", and "vagueness". By providing targeted alternatives and clarifying appropriate usage, this guide aims to enhance understanding and effective application of the phrase "lack of precision".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexactness

Stresses the absence of precision, accuracy, or correctness.

imprecise

Focuses on the quality of not being exact or accurate.

inaccuracy

Emphasizes the state of being incorrect or containing errors.

want of accuracy

More formal way to express missing precision.

vagueness

Highlights the lack of clarity or definiteness.

ambiguity

Points to the possibility of multiple interpretations.

absence of exactitude

A more sophisticated way of saying something is not exact.

indefiniteness

Suggests a lack of clear boundaries or limits.

looseness

Implies a lack of strictness or exactness.

carelessness

Highlights a lack of attention to detail, leading to errors.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of precision" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of precision" to describe deficiencies in accuracy or clarity. For example, "The "lack of precision" in the model's parameters led to unreliable predictions."

What are some alternatives to "lack of precision"?

Alternatives include "imprecise", "inaccuracy", or "vagueness", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of precision" or "imprecision"?

Both are correct, but ""lack of precision"" is a more descriptive phrase, while "imprecision" is a more concise term. The best choice depends on the desired tone and level of detail.

What does "lack of precision" mean in scientific research?

In scientific research, ""lack of precision"" refers to the degree to which repeated measurements show the same or similar results. Low precision means the data points are scattered, even if the average is accurate.