undefined

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "undefined" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, you can use it when something has not been identified or explained yet. For example, "The consequences of this decision are still undefined".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is, in part, because he feels undefined.

The Guardian

On the other hand, its territory is hostage to a peace settlement with Israel and remains stubbornly undefined.

The Economist

Myanmar is in the throes of a transition from military dictatorship to an as yet undefined destination.

The Economist

See articleThe fading regimeVilma Espín, a former leading communist revolutionary, wife of acting president Raúl Castro, and one of Cuba's most politically powerful women, died after an undefined "long illness".

The Economist

For as long as the status of Donetsk and Luhansk are undefined Ukraine cannot possibly join NATO.

The Economist

It will not be easy.Related items John Kerry: Not Dean, not Bush, not a robot...Jul 22nd 2004 The Economist/YouGov pollJul 8th 2004 Lexington: John Kerry, flip-flopper?Mar 25th 2004 America's election: The Brahmin populistMar 4th 2004 The Super Tuesday primaries: John Kerry grabs the prizeMar 4th 2004 Lexington: Don't write off John KerryJul 17th 2003Mr Kerry's politics are still undefined.

The Economist

For a recent arrival, the benefits of segregation are obvious.Off the record, quite a few people worry that this new wave of immigrants is not like the last and will not assimilate so easily, or that it will change the city in some undefined but undesirable way.

The Economist

Mr McCain's campaign appeals to undefined but deep changes in the American electorate.

The Economist

At some undefined stage (the photographs in InSights, the NRA's magazine for junior members, suggest it comes when children are about seven or eight), guns change from being fearsome objects, better left alone, to items that children are positively encouraged to possess.InSights is not a publication the NRA is keen to advertise.

The Economist

Nearly half a century after China's invasion, it remains largely undefined and bitterly contested.The basic problem is twofold.

The Economist

Of particular concern has been the Brothers' foot-dragging in parliament over the forming of a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution, a delay that means, among other things, that the new president's powers will be undefined.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undefined" when you want to emphasize that a concept, term, or boundary has not yet been clearly established or defined. This is especially useful in technical, legal, or philosophical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "undefined" when you mean something is insignificant or irrelevant. "Undefined" specifically refers to a lack of definition, not a lack of importance. Instead, consider using words like "irrelevant", "minor", or "negligible".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "undefined" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a lack of definition, specification, or determination. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is commonly used when something has not been identified or explained yet.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "undefined" functions as an adjective signifying a lack of definition, specification, or determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for general use. Analysis of example sentences reveals its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse. The word is most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Science", suggesting its relevance in describing unresolved matters or technically imprecise terms. While interchangeable with terms like "unspecified" or "undetermined", it is crucial to avoid using "undefined" as a substitute for "unimportant". Overall, mastering the subtle use of "undefined" enhances clarity and precision in both technical and non-technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not defined

Direct synonym emphasizing the absence of a definition.

Lacking definition

Highlights the absence of clear boundaries or characteristics.

Unspecified

Indicates that details have not been explicitly stated.

Undetermined

Focuses on the lack of a final decision or resolution.

Indeterminate

Emphasizes the impossibility of establishing precise limits or boundaries.

Vague

Describes a lack of clarity or precision in meaning.

Ambiguous

Suggests the possibility of multiple interpretations.

Unclear

Simply states a lack of clarity or understanding.

Open-ended

Implies that something has no fixed limit or conclusion.

Not yet established

Highlights that something is still in the process of being defined or created.

FAQs

How to use "undefined" in a sentence?

You can use "undefined" to describe something lacking a clear definition or value, for example: "The long-term effects of the policy remain undefined". It can also describe terms in mathematics or computer science.

What can I say instead of "undefined"?

You can use alternatives like "unspecified", "undetermined", or "vague" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "undefined term" or "not defined term"?

Both "undefined term" and "not defined term" are acceptable, but "undefined term" is more concise and commonly used, particularly in technical contexts. It clearly indicates that the term lacks a specific definition.

What's the difference between "undefined" and "ambiguous"?

"Undefined" means lacking a definition, whereas "ambiguous" means having multiple possible meanings. Something that is "undefined" lacks any clear meaning, while something that is ambiguous has multiple potential meanings, causing confusion.