not clearly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not clearly defined" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to something that is not well-defined or does not have a clear meaning. Example: The rules of the game were not clearly defined, causing confusion among the players.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it's not clearly defined.

The Guardian - Music

The limitations, however, are not clearly defined.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

But net benefit is not clearly defined in the law.

The New York Times

There are some benefits of getting involved in a movement that is not clearly defined.

The Guardian - Opinion

The volunteers have no enforcement powers; their duties are not clearly defined.

The New York Times

However, the key organ/tissue driving the IF-induced metabolic benefits is not clearly defined.

Nature

THE role of the pituitary gland in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy is not clearly defined.

Nature

In Colombia, its frequency and associated factors were not clearly defined.

Atención Primaria

However, the functional domain of Ov-ASP-1 as an adjuvant is not clearly defined.

Vaccine

The occurrence and mechanisms of nocturnal hypoxemia in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) are not clearly defined.

Chest

The population that benefits from or is harmed by the procedure is not clearly defined.

Seminars in Perinatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not clearly defined", specify what aspects lack clarity and why. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not clearly defined" without providing further explanation or context. Your audience may not be aware of the specific ambiguity you're addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not clearly defined" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that its meaning or scope lacks precision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not clearly defined" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and general discourse. The key to using this phrase effectively is to provide context. Rather than simply stating that something is "not clearly defined", explain why it lacks clarity and what aspects are ambiguous. Consider using alternatives like "poorly defined" or "ambiguous" to further refine your meaning. By providing specific details and context, you ensure that your audience understands the nature and implications of the lack of definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly defined

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the definition.

vaguely defined

Highlights the ambiguity or lack of precision in the definition.

ambiguous

Focuses on the multiple possible interpretations.

ill-defined

Stresses the lack of proper definition.

undefined

Indicates a complete absence of definition.

imprecise

Highlights a lack of exactness or accuracy.

nebulous

Suggests a hazy or indistinct quality.

unspecified

Emphasizes that details have not been determined or stated.

lacks clarity

Directly points out the absence of clear understanding.

open to interpretation

Highlights the subjective nature and potential for varied understandings.

FAQs

What does "not clearly defined" mean?

The phrase "not clearly defined" means that something lacks a precise or distinct explanation, making it open to interpretation or causing confusion.

How can I use "not clearly defined" in a sentence?

You can use "not clearly defined" to describe concepts, rules, roles, or boundaries that lack specific details. For example: "The scope of the project was "poorly defined", leading to scope creep."

What are some alternatives to "not clearly defined"?

Alternatives include "ambiguous", "vaguely defined", "ill-defined", and "lacks clarity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "poorly defined" or "not clearly defined"?

Both "poorly defined" and "not clearly defined" are acceptable. "Poorly defined" suggests a substandard definition, while "not clearly defined" simply indicates a lack of clarity. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.