not specific enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not specific enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when something has been described in a way that is vague or lacks detail. For example, "His directions for finding the coffee shop weren't specific enough; I still got lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, these inhibitors are not specific enough to claim JAK2 specificity.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

It's that it's not specific enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

Border officials said the letter was not specific enough.

The Guardian

Mr. Fraiman later said the information was not specific enough.

The New York Times

"These charges are not specific enough to put an athlete on notice," Myler said.

The New York Times - Sports

In September, one judge said the plaintiff was not specific enough in his allegations.

The New York Times

Although the interviews are cataloged, the indexing is not specific enough to guide users.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Bush said the Aug. 6 report was not specific enough to order new actions.

The New York Times

Some are not specific enough to suit his needs, while others are not discriminating enough.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, the term /attention/, possibly not specific enough, was not associated with a specific lateralised component.

Nature

But apart from its pejorative overtones, the word 'gringo' is not specific enough.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, instead of saying something is "not specific enough", offer concrete suggestions on how to add detail or clarify the information. For example, suggest adding data points or clarifying the scope.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "not specific enough" without explaining why. Provide examples or point to areas where more detail is needed to make your feedback actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not specific enough" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a deficiency in the level of detail or precision. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing examples of how it's used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not specific enough" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a lack of detail or precision. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a wide range of contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure you provide constructive feedback by specifying what additional information is needed. While versatile, remember that context dictates the best alternative phrasing; ensure clarity by avoiding overly general statements. The phrase sees frequent use in scientific and news-related articles. Its broad applicability renders it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not detailed enough

A more literal rephrasing.

not precise enough

Highlights the absence of exactness.

too vague

Focuses on the lack of clarity and definition.

too general

Indicates a lack of focus or particularity.

lacking precision

Highlights the absence of exactness.

insufficiently detailed

Emphasizes the lack of detail.

insufficiently clear

Emphasizes a lack of clarity.

inadequately defined

Stresses the need for better definition.

wanting in specificity

A more formal way of saying lacking specific details

lacking granularity

Focuses on the lack of fine-grained detail.

FAQs

How can I use "not specific enough" in a sentence?

You can use "not specific enough" to indicate that something lacks detail or precision. For example: "The instructions were "not specific enough", so I couldn't assemble the furniture" or "The job description was "not specific enough" to understand the required competencies".

What are some alternatives to saying "not specific enough"?

Alternatives include phrases like "too vague", "insufficiently detailed", or "lacking precision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific or general in my writing?

The right balance depends on the purpose and audience. Being specific enhances clarity and credibility, while generality can be useful for overviews. However, if clarity is paramount and to avoid ambiguity, it's better to be specific and avoid being "not specific enough".

When is information considered "not specific enough"?

Information may be considered "not specific enough" when it lacks the detail required to understand, act upon, or differentiate it from other similar information. For example, if a diagnosis is "not specific enough", further testing may be required.