less defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"less defined" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is not as sharply delineated or firmly established as something else. For example, "The gender roles in modern society are becoming less defined as people challenge traditional norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The presences in Nash-world are something far less defined and less definable.

Independent

Collaboration was less defined or definable than it became in the 1940's.

The New York Times - Books

The rest is less defined.

The Guardian - Opinion

The men's tournament is less defined.

The New York Times - Sports

For There, he said, the objective is less defined.

The New York Times - Tech

Such categories may be less defined than you suggest.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the Southern Hemisphere, the subpolar gyres are less defined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pine trees behind the green have been eliminated to make the backdrop less defined.

The New York Times

And he is still amazed that anyone else should want to read his less defined approach.

The Guardian

That standard was more or less defined by Mr. Merrick for a couple of decades.

The New York Times

The workplace will become the 'workspace' with less defined areas, more 'turn up and work' environments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less defined", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is less defined than to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less defined" without a clear point of reference. Without a comparison, the phrase lacks context and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less defined" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to modify nouns, indicating that they possess a quality of being not as clearly or precisely delineated compared to something else. As Ludwig indicates, it is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a relative lack of clarity or precision. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples highlights its prevalence in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to provide context for the comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "poorly defined" or "vaguely defined" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly defined

Indicates a lower degree of clarity or precision compared to "less defined".

vaguely defined

Suggests a lack of specificity in the definition.

imprecisely defined

Emphasizes the lack of exactness in the definition.

loosely defined

Highlights a flexible or relaxed definition.

not clearly defined

Directly states the absence of a clear definition.

ambiguously defined

Implies uncertainty and multiple possible interpretations.

indistinctly defined

Highlights a lack of clear boundaries or features.

fuzzily defined

Conveys a sense of blurred or unclear definition.

ill-defined

Suggests a problem or deficiency in the definition.

unspecified

Indicates a lack of specific definition or detail.

FAQs

How can I use "less defined" in a sentence?

You can use "less defined" to describe something that lacks clarity or precision compared to something else. For example, "The boundaries between work and personal life are becoming "less defined" with remote work".

What's a good alternative to "less defined"?

Alternatives to "less defined" include "poorly defined", "vaguely defined", or "not clearly defined". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less defined" or "undefined"?

"Less defined" implies a relative lack of clarity, while "undefined" suggests a complete absence of definition. Use "less defined" when something has some definition but lacks precision, and "undefined" when it has no definition at all.

What does it mean when something is described as "less defined"?

When something is described as "less defined", it means that its boundaries, characteristics, or meaning are not as clear or precise as they could be, often in comparison to something else. It suggests a degree of ambiguity or lack of specificity.