overly broad definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly broad definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a definition that is too general or inclusive, lacking specificity. Example: "The term 'animal' has an overly broad definition that includes everything from insects to mammals, making it difficult to apply in specific contexts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The rules "maintain an overly broad definition of national security, which is contrary to standard international practice," the chamber said.

The Washington Post

Such an overly broad definition unfairly attaches malicious intent to the kinds of mistakes that inevitably appear in good-faith journalism.

The Washington Post

The bill is predicated on an overly broad definition of "small business" — one with fewer than 500 employees, which can include multimillion-dollar partnerships and corporations.

The New York Times

Prevent's overly broad definition of extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values – creates a systemic risk of violations of the right to freedom of expression, the right against discrimination and the right to privacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

McDonnell's defence contended that the court had used an overly broad definition of bribery, punishing the type of actions that many elected officials carry out on behalf of constituents.

The Guardian

This was partly due to an overly broad definition of assault against police in DC law, but the principle - that police are likely to describe black civilians as more threatening - is applicable to other jurisdictions.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A statement by Amnesty International noted that the recent hardening of Spain's anti-terrorism laws has left the criminal code full of "vague and overly broad definitions," which "can result in disproportionate restrictions on human rights, including the right to freedom of expression".

The New Yorker

It would also "narrow overly broad definitions" that exist in the legislation, specifically the phrase "terrorist propaganda".

Vice

"Instead of being reserved for the most serious cases of recognizable acts of terror," the report states, "the [nation's] anti-terror legislation is in fact being used to try ordinary criminal cases either in a deliberate attempt to evade the procedural safeguards guaranteed by ordinary courts or due to the vague and overly broad definitions of 'terrorism' in the legislation".

Vice

But we think that some progress would be made simply by avoiding overly broad definitions of EBM and by abandoning all talk of paradigm shifts.

BMC Health Services Research

On the other extreme of the spectrum, overly broad legal definitions of bullying — for example, ones that leave out the factors of repetition or power imbalance — can lead parents to cry bully whenever their child has a conflict with another child.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a more precise term exists to replace the "overly broad definition". Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't assume your audience automatically understands why a definition is "overly broad". Always explicitly explain the consequences or problems arising from its broadness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly broad definition" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "definition". It serves to characterize the definition as being excessively inclusive or lacking specificity. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts to critique the scope of definitions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overly broad definition" is a tool used to critically assess the scope and precision of a definition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The analysis reveals its function as an adjective phrase, primarily employed to express concern regarding the excessive inclusiveness of a definition, especially within News & Media and Academia contexts. When using this phrase, remember to provide concrete examples of the definition's shortcomings to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "excessively wide definition" or "too general definition" can be used to modulate the nuance. It's important to explain the consequences of the definition being "overly broad" to help the audience understand and not assume understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly inclusive definition

Simpler alternative, directly stating that the definition includes too much.

excessively wide definition

Replaces "overly broad" with "excessively wide" maintaining the core meaning of an expansive definition.

overly extensive definition

Replaces "broad" with "extensive" emphasizing the wide reach of the definition.

too general definition

Uses simpler language to convey that the definition lacks specificity.

unduly expansive definition

Substitutes "overly broad" with "unduly expansive", suggesting the definition extends further than necessary or justifiable.

overly comprehensive definition

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the definition, potentially including unnecessary elements.

unnecessarily inclusive definition

Replaces "overly broad" with "unnecessarily inclusive" emphasizing the definition's inclusion of irrelevant elements.

unjustifiably wide definition

Similar to "unduly expansive" but emphasizes the lack of justification for the definition's breadth.

vague and sweeping definition

Highlights the lack of precision and wide scope of the definition.

imprecise and all-encompassing definition

Focuses on the lack of precision and comprehensive nature of the definition.

FAQs

How can I use "overly broad definition" in a sentence?

You can use "overly broad definition" to describe a concept or term that is defined too inclusively, encompassing elements it shouldn't. For example, "The law's "overly broad definition" of terrorism could potentially include legitimate protest activities".

What are some alternatives to "overly broad definition"?

Alternatives include "excessively wide definition", "too general definition", or "unnecessarily inclusive definition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a definition "overly broad"?

A definition is considered "overly broad" when it includes elements that are irrelevant, unnecessary, or unintended, making it difficult to apply the definition effectively or fairly. It lacks the necessary precision to distinguish between what should and shouldn't be included.

How does an "overly broad definition" affect legal or policy contexts?

In legal or policy contexts, an "overly broad definition" can lead to unintended consequences, such as capturing innocent activities under a prohibited category or creating loopholes that allow harmful activities to go unpunished. This lack of specificity can make the law or policy difficult to enforce and open to legal challenges.