not well-defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not well-defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept, term, or situation that lacks clarity or precision. Example: "The parameters of the project are not well-defined, making it difficult to establish a clear timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

First, the accessibility of a route is not well-defined.

Information Sciences

Objection 2: Limiting relative frequencies are not well-defined.

SEP

Although anticoagulation is recommended, its optimal timing is not well-defined.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

Treatments are not well-defined.

Huffington Post

What it means to "coordinate," however, is not well-defined.

Vice

On the surface, these structures are not well-defined.

Colloid and Polymer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Obama promised to sell this not-well-defined ICA phrase to the Europeans.

Huffington Post

This crucial term is not well defined.

The New York Times - Magazine

For these reasons, the KPZ equation was not well defined.

The Guardian

"It won't help because government policies are not well defined.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, these geologists write, the present "is not well defined".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not well-defined", provide context or examples to illustrate the lack of clarity. This helps the reader understand the specific aspects that are undefined or ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "not well-defined" without explaining why it lacks definition. Instead, identify the specific criteria, parameters, or aspects that contribute to the ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not well-defined" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that it lacks clarity, precision, or specific boundaries. It suggests that the concept, term, or entity being described is ambiguous or lacks a clear and universally accepted definition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not well-defined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that highlights a lack of clarity or precision. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts to express ambiguity or uncertainty. To enhance clarity, always provide specific examples or explanations when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "vague", "ambiguous", or "poorly defined" can be used depending on the context. While "not well-defined" is a versatile phrase, it is important to avoid overusing it without providing specific details about the source of the ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly defined

Direct synonym with a slightly stronger negative connotation.

ill-defined

Similar to 'poorly defined', suggesting a lack of clear boundaries or characteristics.

vague

Implies a lack of specificity or detail.

ambiguous

Suggests the possibility of multiple interpretations.

imprecise

Highlights a lack of accuracy or exactness.

undefined

Suggests a complete lack of definition or boundaries.

unclear

Indicates a lack of clarity or understanding.

nebulous

Describes something hazy, indistinct, or vague.

loosely defined

Suggests a flexible or broad definition with room for interpretation.

incompletely defined

Highlights that the definition is missing some components or elements.

FAQs

What does "not well-defined" mean?

The phrase "not well-defined" means that something lacks a clear or precise definition. It indicates ambiguity or a lack of specific parameters.

How can I use "not well-defined" in a sentence?

You can use "not well-defined" to describe concepts, terms, or situations that are unclear. For example: "The scope of the project is "not well-defined", leading to confusion among team members."

What are some alternatives to "not well-defined"?

Alternatives include "vague", "ambiguous", "poorly defined", or "unclear". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "undefined" or "not well-defined"?

Both "undefined" and "not well-defined" indicate a lack of definition. "Undefined" suggests a complete absence of definition, while "not well-defined" implies that a definition exists but is inadequate or unclear. The choice depends on the degree of ambiguity you want to convey.