vague concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague concept" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea or concept that is not clearly defined or understood. For example, "He has a vague concept of how the program works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were many challenges in realizing the initial vague concept.

University of California, Berkeley

"Free speech isn't a vague concept," he said.

The New York Times

Carmelo Anthony looms as a vague concept, but not as an overpowering force.

The New York Times - Sports

Independence is a vague concept and defining it has proved difficult.

The Economist

Until his death he was a name and a vague concept of a battle for acceptance.

The Guardian - Sport

But resilience doesn't have to be an empty or vague concept.

The New Yorker

As spirituality is a relatively vague concept, understanding healthcare professionals' spiritual perspectives is important.

International Emergency Nursing

In the popular imagination, the word "community" tends to be a vague concept referencing "warm and fuzzy" relationships.

University of California, Berkeley

His work has been to make a farcically vague concept — "the meaning of life" — historical and concrete.

The New Yorker

In a book, you have to have some idea where you're going, not to mention at least a vague concept of how to get there".

The New York Times - Books

Intervention abroad, particularly of the military sort, must be based on a threat to American citizens and not a vague concept of American interests.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with examples or further explanations to clarify the concept. For example, “'Sustainability' is often a "vague concept", encompassing environmental, social and economic dimensions that are hard to quantify.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using the phrase "vague concept" without providing specific reasons for the lack of clarity. This can make your writing seem weak and indecisive. Instead, specify why the concept is vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague concept" functions as a noun phrase, where "vague" is an adjective modifying the noun "concept". Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe ideas lacking clear definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

27%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague concept" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an idea or notion that lacks clear definition or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, remember to provide sufficient context or examples to clarify what aspects of the concept are unclear. Alternatives include "undefined notion" and "imprecise idea". When writing, avoid overuse without providing specifics on why the concept is vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undefined notion

Replaces "concept" with "notion", emphasizing the lack of defined characteristics.

Imprecise idea

Substitutes "vague" with "imprecise", highlighting the lack of exactness in the idea.

Nebulous concept

Uses "nebulous" instead of "vague" to suggest a hazy or indistinct quality.

Ill-defined concept

Emphasizes that the concept lacks proper definition.

Unclear concept

Focuses on the lack of clarity surrounding the concept.

Ambiguous idea

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations of the idea.

Fuzzy concept

Employs "fuzzy" to describe the concept's lack of sharp boundaries or clear meaning.

Loose concept

Suggests the concept is not firmly established or well-structured.

Indistinct idea

Focuses on the blurred or unclear nature of the idea.

Murky concept

Uses "murky" to suggest a dark or obscured understanding of the concept.

FAQs

How can I use "vague concept" in a sentence?

You can use "vague concept" to describe an idea or notion that lacks clear definition or understanding. For example: "The plan was based on a "vague concept" of 'community involvement'".

What are some alternatives to "vague concept"?

Alternatives include "undefined notion", "imprecise idea", or "nebulous concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "unclear concept" or "vague concept"?

Both "unclear concept" and "vague concept" are acceptable, but they emphasize different aspects. "Vague" suggests a lack of distinctness or definition, while "unclear" suggests a lack of understanding or transparency.

What makes a concept considered "vague"?

A concept is considered "vague" when its boundaries are not clearly defined, leading to uncertainty about its precise meaning or scope. This can result from a lack of specific criteria or inconsistent interpretations.