not further defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not further defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a term or concept is mentioned but not elaborated upon or explained in detail. Example: "The term 'confidential information' is used in this document but is not further defined."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The reports were to be prepared under "competitive analysis," a term that was not further defined.

The New York Times

"Reasonable" is not further defined for boys, but girls' blouses "must be worn to waistline when arms are raised".

The New York Times

With all 26 pairs of solutions beginning with the same letter, except M, one solution will fit a theme not further defined in the clue.

The Guardian

In the financial statement, the item shown as contributing the most to the decline in operating cash flow -- which had been $262.1 million in the same quarter a year ago -- was labeled "other" and was not further defined.

The New York Times

The laws put the onus on firms to take down the content "expeditiously" - a term that is not further defined but would be ultimately determined by a jury, the government said.

BBC

Because participants gained a shared understanding of integrated STEM from the workshop (e.g., the DoE's definition of STEM education was provided to all participants), it was not further defined or conceptualized during the interview.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He did not give any indication of when the war would start, and did not further define for a worried American public what form it might take.

The New York Times

Mr. Witt did not further define which advocacy groups he was talking about, and a spokeswoman for his consulting firm said he would not comment further until the report was complete.

The New York Times

While some readers may object to this article not further defining the problem beyond the domain of "Best Practices," and for not including elements of research design (methodology, instruments, or sampling technique), this author has attempted to define the need without injecting a bias or ethnocentric perspective.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The survey did not further define the process, list pros or cons or measure the degree to which the public has been following the issue.

Huffington Post

Comparison of the F8 and F16 populations did not further define the location.

American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not further defined", ensure that the context makes it clear what term or concept lacks additional explanation. This avoids confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming readers will intuitively understand a term that is "not further defined". Even if a term seems self-explanatory, a brief clarification can enhance understanding and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not further defined" functions primarily as a qualifier, indicating that a preceding term or concept lacks a detailed or precise explanation. Ludwig shows this usage across various contexts, confirming its role in specifying the absence of elaboration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not further defined" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a term or concept has been introduced but not elaborated upon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across diverse fields such as science, news, and formal business. It serves to inform the reader of the absence of a specific or detailed explanation. While appropriate in various contexts, it's essential to consider whether providing additional context or a brief clarification would enhance reader understanding. Alternatives like "undefined", "not elaborated upon", and "unspecified" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid assumptions about reader comprehension and provide necessary context when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undefined

This is the shortest and most direct alternative, implying a complete lack of definition.

not elaborated upon

This alternative emphasizes the absence of detailed explanation.

not specified

This highlights the lack of specific details provided.

left vague

This suggests intentional ambiguity or lack of clarity.

unexplained

This focuses on the absence of an explanation for something.

not clarified

This points out the lack of clarification regarding a particular aspect.

not detailed

This indicates the absence of in-depth information.

unspecified

This denotes the lack of a specific designation or identification.

remains ambiguous

This emphasizes the continuing uncertainty or lack of clarity.

lacks precision

This suggests a lack of exactness or accuracy in the definition.

FAQs

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

You can use "not further defined" to indicate that a term or concept is mentioned but not fully explained in a particular context. For example, "The term 'significant improvement' was used in the study but was "not further defined"".

What are some alternatives to "not further defined"?

Alternatives include "undefined", "not elaborated upon", or "unspecified", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not further defined" in formal writing?

Yes, "not further defined" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when you want to acknowledge that a term lacks a precise or complete definition within the scope of your document. However, consider providing some context or explanation if possible.

What does it mean when a term is "not further defined" in a research paper?

It means that the authors mention the term but do not provide a detailed explanation or operational definition. This could be because the term is considered well-understood within the field, or because the authors are focusing on other aspects of the research.