vague condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or requirement that is not clearly defined or is ambiguous. Example: "The contract included a vague condition that left room for interpretation, leading to confusion between the parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A universal amnesia is a peculiarly vague condition — a mist, indeed.

The New Yorker

Cuomo has also drawn up a tight list of serious illnesses for which doctors can prescribe the drug, including cancer, Aids, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis – and not the more vague condition of "chronic pain" that is widely used, and in some cases abused, in many other states to have legalised medical marijuana.

The Guardian

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a vague condition, and doctors debated its very existence.

Forbes

The HFA conceptualizes resilience as an overall desirable, yet by definition multifaceted and hence somewhat vague, condition.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

I thought of all the women institutionalized for hysteria, a vague condition which physicians used for hundreds of years to police women's emotions and sexual desires.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, both laid down vague conditions.

The Guardian

Now, the Obama administration has stopped the saber-rattling and started what might end in a new kind of peaceful accord — though with plenty of caveats and vague conditions.

The New York Times - Science

The interpolated, albeit vague, conditions that require causation in 'the right way' are meant to cover well-known counterexamples that depend upon deviant causal chains occurring either in the course of the agent's practical reasoning or in the execution of his intentions.

SEP

The problem has been the vague conditions for the petition's use, leading to what critics have called misuse.

Vice

You wouldn't use the vague term "heart condition," they argue, to describe a specific form of cardiac arrhythmia.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are only beginning to unravel the genetic and biochemical basis of mental illness – a vague term including conditions as diverse as anxiety, depression, and mood and psychotic disorders.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague condition", ensure the surrounding context clarifies the specific aspect that is unclear or undefined. Providing examples or further explanation can improve clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "vague condition" as a catch-all phrase without specifying what makes the condition vague. Always follow up with details or examples to clarify the ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague condition" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence. It typically serves to qualify a noun, indicating that the noun lacks clear definition or specificity. The Ludwig examples show its usage across varied contexts, from medical diagnoses to contractual stipulations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague condition" is used to describe a situation or ailment that is not clearly defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English; however, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, highlighting ambiguity or uncertainty. To enhance clarity in writing, it is advisable to specify the aspect of the condition that is vague and, when possible, offer additional context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-defined condition

Replaces "vague" with "ill-defined", emphasizing the lack of clarity in definition.

nebulous state

Substitutes both "vague" and "condition" to suggest an amorphous and undefined situation.

imprecise situation

Replaces "condition" with "situation" and "vague" with "imprecise", highlighting the lack of exactness.

ambiguous circumstance

Changes "vague" to "ambiguous" and "condition" to "circumstance", focusing on the open to interpretation aspect.

unclear ailment

Narrows the context to health, replacing "condition" with "ailment" and "vague" with "unclear".

poorly defined state

Emphasizes the inadequate definition of the state, using "poorly defined" instead of "vague".

fuzzy state

Replaces "vague" with "fuzzy", indicating a lack of sharpness or clarity.

unspecified circumstance

Highlights the lack of specific details by using "unspecified" instead of "vague" and "circumstance" instead of "condition".

indistinct situation

Uses "indistinct" to convey the lack of clear boundaries or definition.

amorphous entity

Replaces "condition" with "entity" to describe something that lacks definite form or shape using "amorphous".

FAQs

What does "vague condition" mean?

A "vague condition" refers to a situation, ailment, or requirement that lacks clear definition or has ambiguous characteristics. It implies a lack of specific details or clarity.

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

You can use "vague condition" to describe something that is not well-defined. For example: "The contract included a "vague condition" regarding payment terms."

What are some synonyms for "vague condition"?

Alternatives to "vague condition" include "ill-defined condition", "nebulous state", or "imprecise situation".

Is it better to be specific instead of using "vague condition"?

In most cases, specificity is preferred. While "vague condition" highlights a lack of clarity, providing more details enhances understanding and avoids misinterpretations. However, there are cases in which you simply don't have the detail so can't be more specific.