loosely defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"loosely defined" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a concept, idea, word, or phrase that has a vague or inexact definition. For example, the phrase "sustainable development" is loosely defined to mean different things to different people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The judges' task is very loosely defined.

The New York Times - Books

Jim's spiritual journey is also loosely defined.

The New York Times - Books

This can be loosely defined as the scientific spirit.

The New York Times - Books

But this was always a loosely defined concept.

The New York Times

Clearly something is up in the loosely defined inspirational genres.

The New York Times - Books

The northern territories were larger and more loosely defined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The imperial boundaries were thus only loosely defined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somewhere around 62 countries have become democracies, loosely defined.

The New York Times

The national governments decide what types of projects qualify, but the boundaries are loosely defined.

The New York Times

China occupies a prominent, but loosely defined, place in Trump's world view.

The New Yorker

Burke's job, loosely defined, was to keep the United States Army safe from epidemics.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loosely defined", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the intended meaning, even if a precise definition is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "loosely defined" as a crutch. If possible, provide more specific details or examples to clarify the concept, rather than relying solely on vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loosely defined" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that its definition is not precise or strict. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. For example, "a loosely defined term" suggests the term lacks rigid boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loosely defined" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that a term or concept lacks a strict or precise definition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. As demonstrated by examples from The New York Times, Encyclopedia Britannica, and other reputable sources, it is frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and formal business. While the phrase itself is versatile, ensure you are providing adequate context to minimize potential ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "vaguely specified" or "generally understood" if they better suit your intended meaning. Use "loosely defined" strategically to signal flexibility while still maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not strictly defined

Directly negates the concept of strict definition, similar to the original phrase.

vaguely specified

Focuses on the lack of clear specification or detailing of something.

imprecisely outlined

Highlights the absence of a precise outline or boundary.

generally understood

Emphasizes a common understanding without strict rules or limitations.

broadly interpreted

Indicates a wide range of possible interpretations.

subject to interpretation

Highlights that the meaning is not fixed and depends on individual understanding.

open to interpretation

Stresses the subjectivity and potential for varied understandings.

informally characterized

Highlights that the description is informal and not bound by rigid rules.

ambiguously phrased

Emphasizes that the wording is unclear and open to multiple interpretations.

elastic definition

Suggests that the definition can be stretched or adapted to fit different circumstances.

FAQs

How is the phrase "loosely defined" typically used?

The phrase "loosely defined" is used to indicate that a term, concept, or boundary lacks a precise or strict definition. It suggests flexibility and a degree of ambiguity in meaning.

What are some alternatives to using "loosely defined" in writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "vaguely specified", "generally understood", or "not strictly defined" to convey a similar meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "loosely defined"?

It's appropriate when discussing concepts, categories, or rules that don't have rigid boundaries or universally accepted criteria. For example, the term "family" can be "loosely defined" because its structure and composition vary greatly.

Is it better to have a "loosely defined" concept or a strictly defined one?

It depends on the situation. A "loosely defined" concept may be useful when flexibility is needed, but can also lead to misunderstandings. A strict definition provides clarity, but may not be suitable for all contexts.