vague objectives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague objectives" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to objectives or goals that are unclear, ambiguous, or lacking in specificity. Example: The company's business plan had many vague objectives, making it difficult for employees to understand what they were supposed to achieve.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At best, they indicate some vague objectives managers have when they work.

Harvard Business Review

"Stop the greed" and "get out of our pockets" are euphemisms for vague objectives.

The New York Times

It's important for international policymakers to have more streamlined targets to follow, otherwise they run the risk of just "tick-boxing vague objectives" without really considering their long-term impact.

The Guardian

There are still occasional frustrations with vocabulary or vague objectives, but the big issue of control has been sorted in the simplest of manners – you can now use the D pad to move Maxwell around – and it's perhaps even more churlish this time round to pick holes in the vocabulary when you can, for example, create a zombie bathtub or a friendly dinosaur.

The Guardian - Tech

When first announced to the public at a 30 September 2003 press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., the Roadmap was little more than an ambitious set of vague objectives.

Science Magazine

Often we recommend that our faculty revise broad, vague objectives ("understand" or "be familiar with") into specific objectives that articulate clear value to the students.These objectives can be clarified by asking yourselves: "What would students do differently or check if they really "understood" or "were familiar" with the course material?

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Trump set the vague objective of improved relations.

The Washington Post

In late February, close to a hundred fighting groups signed a tenuous accord for the cessation of hostilities — perhaps the first time that quite so many Syrian rebels have agreed to anything besides the vague objective of killing their President.

The New Yorker

Their uncertainty about their goals means that they rarely feel they have succeeded, and their careers are consequently often dominated by the pursuit of a single vague objective.

Huffington Post

So Obama presumes that a nuclear capable (something we have yet to define) Iran is inimical to American national interests without specifying what they are beyond the vague objective of maintaining stability in the region which, he declares, would be disturbed by a "nuclear Iran".

Huffington Post

There's a better chance the person will agree to a specific action, rather than a vague objective.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Avoid using "vague objectives" that lack clear direction and make progress difficult to assess.

Common error

Don't mistake high-level aspirations for actionable objectives. While it's good to have a vision, ensure you translate it into concrete, measurable steps. Otherwise, you'll end up with "vague objectives" that are impossible to implement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague objectives" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vague" modifies the noun "objectives". It describes the quality of the objectives as being unclear or ill-defined. Ludwig confirms its standard grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague objectives" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe goals that lack clarity and specificity. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical validity and wide applicability. While the phrase is acceptable in many contexts, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a potential problem with planning or execution. To avoid this, ensure that objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Common errors include confusing aspirational statements with clear objectives. Alternatives like "ill-defined goals", "ambiguous aims", and "unclear targets" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Predominantly used in News & Media, Science, and Academia, this phrase serves as a critical reminder of the importance of clear and well-defined objectives in any endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-defined goals

Focuses on the lack of definition or clarity in the goals themselves, rather than the objectives.

ambiguous aims

Highlights the ambiguity or uncertainty associated with the aims.

unclear targets

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the specific targets to be achieved.

imprecise goals

Suggests a lack of precision or exactness in the formulation of the goals.

poorly defined objectives

Similar to ill-defined, but emphasizes the inadequacy of the definition.

nebulous objectives

Implies that the objectives are hazy, indistinct, or lacking a clear form.

fuzzy goals

Informal way to convey lack of clarity in the goals.

indistinct aims

Highlights the lack of distinctness or clear boundaries in the aims.

ill-specified targets

Similar to ill-defined, but specifically applied to targets and their specifications.

open-ended objectives

Implies that the objectives lack specific limits or a defined endpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague objectives" to describe goals that lack clarity or specificity. For example: "The project failed because it started with "vague objectives" and no clear plan."

What's the difference between "vague objectives" and "unrealistic goals"?

"Vague objectives" lack clarity, whereas "unrealistic goals" may be clear but are impossible to achieve. You can have clear but unrealistic goals, and "vague objectives" that might actually be realistic if they were properly defined.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "vague objectives"?

Alternatives include "ill-defined goals", "ambiguous aims", and "unclear targets". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to avoid "vague objectives"?

"Vague objectives" make it difficult to create a concrete plan, measure progress, and ultimately achieve success. Clear objectives provide direction, motivation, and a framework for accountability.