vague description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a description that lacks clarity or specificity. Example: "The report provided a vague description of the incident, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Officer Gobin gave only a vague description of his attacker.

The New York Times

At first, I gave them only the most vague description.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police say they only have a vague description of a suspect and are investigating what led up to the shooting.

The New York Times

But there are no maps that show its location, no images to show what it might have looked like, and only a vague description of it.

Independent

Investigators said they have only a vague description of the gunman's car and no idea about a motive for the shooting.

The New York Times

The Domino's delivery man, speaking in broken English, was able to give only a vague description of his attacker before he died.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

and vague descriptions of how they'd be prepared (braised, roasted, sautéed), but no course divisions.

The New Yorker

It is also poor formatting, exotic fonts, unnecessary personal information and, worst of all, vague descriptions of professional achievements.

The New York Times

In the laboratory at the heart of Britain's anti-doping fight, however, such vague descriptions fall on deaf ears.

The Guardian - Sport

The budget gives vague descriptions of how money will be spent and, oddly, covers a financial year that begins three months before the document is unveiled.

The Economist

So bear in mind that extremely vague descriptions could translate into a home that hasn't been renovated in decades or has other weaknesses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague description", follow it with specific examples of what makes the description unclear to strengthen your critique.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a description as "vague description" without detailing what aspects are unclear or insufficient. Always provide specific reasons to support your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague description" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vague' modifies the noun 'description'. It typically serves to characterize the quality of a description as lacking clarity or precision. The Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

28%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague description" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that points to a lack of clarity or specificity in a given account. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of this phrase in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its utility across various communication registers. When employing this phrase, enhance its impact by providing specific instances of the description's vagueness, as simply labeling something as a "vague description" without further clarification can be less effective. Alternatives such as "imprecise account", "unclear portrayal", and "ambiguous characterization" offer nuanced ways to convey the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Imprecise account

Changes the adjective to describe a lack of exactness in the account.

Unclear portrayal

Uses a different noun to represent the description and highlights the lack of clarity.

Nebulous depiction

Replaces both words with synonyms that emphasize the ambiguous nature of the description.

Indistinct representation

Focuses on the lack of distinction in the way something is represented.

Ambiguous characterization

Highlights the ambiguity in how something is characterized.

General outline

Indicates that only the broad strokes are provided without specific details.

Sketchy summary

Suggests the description is incomplete and lacks thoroughness.

Rough idea

Implies the description is a basic concept without refined details.

Hazy account

Emphasizes the lack of clarity, making it difficult to discern the specifics.

Loose definition

Indicates that the description is not strictly defined or precise.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague description" to point out a lack of clarity or detail in a description. For example: "The police only had a "vague description" of the suspect, making the investigation difficult."

What are some alternatives to "vague description"?

Alternatives to "vague description" include "imprecise account", "unclear portrayal", or "ambiguous characterization", depending on the specific context.

What makes a description "vague"?

A description is considered "vague" when it lacks specific details, making it difficult to form a clear or precise understanding of the subject being described. The description may use general terms or lack concrete examples.

Is it always negative to have a "vague description"?

While often negative, implying a lack of clarity, a "vague description" can sometimes be useful when intentionally avoiding specifics. However, in most contexts, providing a detailed and precise description is preferable.