vague expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague expectations" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express expectations that are unclear or uncertain, or that lack specifics. For example, "The manager had vague expectations for the team's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you're unclear, you will have vague expectations and hopes but no convictions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We study for three years focused on one thing, chafing against our natural inclination toward myriad interests, with the vague expectation of a better job.

The Guardian

"There has only been a vague expectation for success," the newspaper JoongAng Ilbo warned about the long effort to get the North to agree to the group format.

The New York Times

Yet he was for ever juggled up and down the order in the vague expectation that he was bound to do something significant soon.

The Guardian - Sport

I have a vague expectation of some crisis—I know not what".

Wikipedia

The vague word "expectations" gives the outside pundits too much credit and Belichick too little.

The New Yorker

She herself has had vague conventional expectations of marriage, and Flaubert wonderfully describes her sexual disappointment, her reluctance to let go of the idea that she is experiencing post-wedding bliss.

The Guardian - Books

Diplomats say they are preparing to "manage expectations" of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, because several EU countries do not want to commit even to the vague prospect of future membership as part of the Riga summit.

The Guardian

Generally, such wines do not improve in the bottle, so delayed gratification based on vague, distant ceremonial expectations is often wasteful.

The New York Times

And if that's the distinction we choose to draw, then the Sydney Siege is not as clear as it may seem: that gunman's demands for an IS flag and for direct contact with Prime Minister Tony Abbott were vague and his expectations unclear.

Vice

"A perfect storm of vague advertising, high expectation and a healthy dose of assumption on the consumers' behalf led the game to ultimately disappoint".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, avoid having "vague expectations". Instead, define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives to ensure clarity and focus.

Common error

Don't assume everyone understands what you mean by "vague expectations". Always clarify what outcomes are desired, even if you think it's obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague expectations" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vague" modifies the noun "expectations". It describes the nature of the expectations, indicating they are not clearly defined or specific. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague expectations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe unclear or ill-defined anticipations. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English across a range of contexts. Analysis reveals its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. To avoid miscommunication, it is crucial to clarify what desired outcomes are, rather than relying on "vague expectations". Alternatives such as "unclear expectations", "ill-defined expectations", and "nebulous expectations" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings, but clarity should always be prioritized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear expectations

Focuses on the lack of clarity rather than the lack of specific detail.

ill-defined expectations

Emphasizes the poor definition and lack of structure of the expectations.

nebulous expectations

Highlights the hazy and indistinct nature of the expectations.

fuzzy expectations

Suggests a lack of sharpness and precision in the anticipated outcomes.

imprecise expectations

Directly points out the lack of precision and accuracy in the expectations.

generalized expectations

Highlights the lack of specificity focusing on expectations that are too broad.

ambiguous expectations

Indicates that the expectations can be interpreted in multiple ways.

unspecified expectations

Emphasizes that the details of the expectations have not been clearly stated.

tenuous expectations

Suggests that the expectations are weak and not firmly based on reality.

uncertain hopes

Replaces "expectations" with "hopes", indicating a less confident anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague expectations" to describe situations where the desired outcomes are not clearly defined. For instance: "The project failed because the client had "vague expectations" about the deliverables".

What's the difference between "vague expectations" and "unclear expectations"?

While both phrases imply a lack of clarity, "vague expectations" suggests a lack of specific detail, whereas "unclear expectations" indicates a general lack of understanding or definition.

What are some alternatives to saying "vague expectations"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "ill-defined expectations", "nebulous expectations", or "fuzzy expectations" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to have "vague expectations" or no expectations at all?

While having no expectations can lead to pleasant surprises, having "vague expectations" can cause confusion and disappointment. It's generally better to define clear, achievable goals, even if they evolve over time.