less well defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less well defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks clarity or precision compared to another thing that is more clearly defined. Example: "The concept of happiness is often less well defined than that of success, leading to varied interpretations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is less well defined for generally damped linear systems.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The image of France, in this novel, remains less well defined.

The Guardian - Books

The duties of the state poet laureate are less well defined.

The New York Times

The 1957 and 1968 pandemics had waves, too, though they were less well defined.

The New York Times

Pseudohistorical knowledge of the sage Zhuangzi is even less well defined than that of Laozi.

Britannica

Other researchers, however, believe that the recipe for social-media momentum is less well defined.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, there is a significant area of the surface that forms a less-well defined density.

Plosone

A less well-defined set of cells directs evening activity.

eLife

Democrats, fortunately, have a less well-defined profile.

The New York Times

The transition between adolescence and adulthood these days is far less well-defined.

The Guardian - Opinion

Assembly units with less well-defined properties are generally less employed.

Journal of Solid State Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less well defined", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison. What is better defined, and in what way is the subject lacking definition?

Common error

Avoid using "less well defined" without providing context or examples. State why something is "less well defined" to maintain clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less well defined" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to modify a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies lacks a clear or precise definition when compared to something else. Ludwig's examples show the phrase used across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less well defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a comparative lack of clarity or precision. According to Ludwig, its usage spans diverse fields, particularly science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity of context is essential: ensure you are providing a reference point or explaining why something is "less well defined". While Ludwig's AI confirms that it's a correct and helpful phrase, remembering to provide sufficient context remains key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly defined

Focuses on the inadequacy of the definition itself.

vaguely defined

Emphasizes the lack of precision or clarity in the definition.

imprecisely defined

Highlights the lack of exactness or accuracy in the definition.

ill-defined

Suggests a definition that is incomplete or not properly formed.

not clearly defined

States directly that the definition lacks clarity.

ambiguously defined

Implies that the definition allows for multiple interpretations.

inadequately defined

Suggests the definition is insufficient or not good enough.

tenuously defined

Indicates the definition is weak or lacks a solid basis.

loosely defined

Emphasizes a lack of strictness or rigidity in the definition.

sketchily defined

Implies the definition is only outlined briefly, lacking detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "less well defined" to compare the clarity or precision of two concepts or items. For example, "The symptoms of the illness were "less well defined" in the early stages than in the later stages."

What's the difference between "less well defined" and "poorly defined"?

"Less well defined" suggests a relative lack of clarity compared to something else, whereas "poorly defined" indicates an inherent inadequacy in the definition itself.

What are some synonyms for "less well defined"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "less well defined" in formal writing?

Yes, "less well defined" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and accurate way to describe a concept that lacks clarity. However, be sure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity.