more loosely defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more loosely defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, terms, or categories that lack strict or precise definitions. Example: "The term 'creativity' is often more loosely defined in different contexts, making it challenging to measure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The northern territories were larger and more loosely defined.

Britannica

At present the bank has no target, but rather a more loosely defined inflation goal, of just 1%.

The Economist

Bourbon 101: Distilled from fermented corn, mostly, rather than the malted barley of scotch and the (more loosely defined) cereal grain of American whiskey.

The Guardian - Travel

In more loosely defined forms of self-management, such as podularity, roles are flexibly reassigned, but it is left up to the organization to figure out how.

Harvard Business Review

In a Western business environment, Jianguo will improve his chances for success by learning to become comfortable in a flatter, more loosely defined management structure.

Harvard Business Review

The term engineering is sometimes more loosely defined, especially in Great Britain, as the manufacture or assembly of engines, machine tools, and machine parts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Already widely prescribed as antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, have gained increasing acceptance since the 1990s (Steiner et al., 1995) as treatments for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the more common but loosely defined premenstrual syndrome (see Marjoribanks et al., 2013).

British Journal of Pharmacology

BPM processes sit in the middle with more structure than a loosely defined collaboration and more flexibility than a hard-coded process for handling purchase orders.

Forbes

We enquired about GP/FPs' involvement with conditions that would be included in both formal diagnostic nomenclature (ADHD and mood disorders), and the more loosely-defined set of conditions described collectively as behavior problems and social-emotional difficulties.

BMC Family Practice

Said Bob Jesse, who initiated CSP: our "goal is to make more available to more people a certain loosely defined category of experience" which "goes by many names".

Huffington Post

Perhaps a quaint notion, this humanistic interpretation of privacy is far more empathetic than the loosely defined laissez-faire American conception, which Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously described as the "right to be left alone".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more loosely defined", ensure the context clarifies what the standard or stricter definition would be. This provides a clearer understanding of the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "more loosely defined" without specifying which aspect is less defined. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the intended meaning. Always provide enough context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more loosely defined" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies lacks a precise or rigid definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more loosely defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a lack of strictness or precision in a definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in various contexts but mostly in news, media and science publications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity and ensure the intended meaning is clear. Consider alternatives like ""less strictly defined"" or ""more vaguely specified"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "more loosely defined" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less strictly defined

Emphasizes reduced adherence to rigid rules or criteria.

more vaguely specified

Focuses on the lack of detail and precision in the specification.

more broadly interpreted

Highlights the wider range of possible meanings or applications.

less precisely outlined

Stresses the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

more flexibly applied

Emphasizes adaptability and lack of rigid enforcement.

more informally established

Highlights the lack of formal processes or rules in its creation.

more liberally construed

Focuses on a more generous or expansive understanding.

more generally understood

Emphasizes a common, but perhaps not precise, understanding.

more subjectively perceived

Highlights the influence of personal interpretation.

more elastically conceived

Implies a highly adaptable and changeable understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "more loosely defined" in a sentence?

You can use "more loosely defined" to indicate that a term, concept, or boundary is not strictly or precisely defined. For example, "The rules are "less strictly defined" in this game than in traditional versions".

What is an alternative to using "more loosely defined"?

Alternatives to "more loosely defined" include "more vaguely specified", "less precisely outlined", or "more broadly interpreted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "more loosely defined" and "poorly defined"?

"More loosely defined" suggests a deliberate lack of strictness, while "poorly defined" implies a deficiency or lack of clarity. Something that is "more loosely defined" might still be adequate for its purpose, whereas something "poorly defined" is likely problematic.

Is it acceptable to use "more loosely defined" in formal writing?

Yes, "more loosely defined" is acceptable in formal writing as long as the context clearly establishes the intended meaning and the reason for the lack of strict definition. However, in highly technical contexts, consider using a "more precisely outlined" term if available.