vagueness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "vagueness" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the quality of being unclear or imprecise. For example, "The vagueness of the instructions made it difficult to complete the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The story of Moses may have some truth at its core, but it is buried in layers of bronze age vagueness and myth.

The Guardian - Film

His manner is slightly awkward, vagueness punctuated by sudden bursts of lyricism; he has a reputation for being glum but is engagingly animated, if only periodically.

The Guardian - Music

There are people being tried for leaking the document so therefore the vagueness requires an official step to reveal this document," Mr Khanfar told a conference on press freedom in Qatar.

The Guardian

"It's interesting to me how the vagueness of our statutory environment stands in contrast to the research," Grogan-Kaylor said, "which is unanimous in the view that this is a continuum of violence.

The Guardian - Sport

In its vagueness, it goes some way to proving the opposite".

The Guardian

A small, round figure with a shy smile and a deceiving air of vagueness, carrying her camera in a wicker basket; the least tricksy and most mysterious of photographers, the most singular and haunting.

The Guardian - Arts

But there is also a certain vagueness, populism and reluctance to answer key questions.

The Guardian

His vagueness has irritated many practising Christians, and the piece has been criticised by the Guardian as a way of "fishing for votes".

The Economist

But vagueness isn't the preserve of the summit participants.

The Economist

But Mr Blair's thinking on this is still a study in vagueness.

The Economist

Foreigners in Brazil would be well advised to give much more weight to any signs of ambivalence, whether in body language or a vagueness about details, than to seemingly positive words.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or policy documents, avoid "vagueness" by ensuring that all terms are clearly defined and that the scope of the document is explicitly stated. This will minimize potential misinterpretations and disputes.

Common error

In academic writing, avoid using "vagueness" without providing specific examples of what is unclear. Instead of simply stating that a theory has "vagueness", illustrate precisely which aspects lack clarity and how this impacts the theory's applicability or validity.

Linguistic Context

The word "vagueness" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the state or quality of being vague, unclear, or imprecise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing the lack of clarity in plans, terms, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vagueness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes the state of being unclear or imprecise. As Ludwig AI indicates, this word is widely accepted in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that "vagueness" is often employed in neutral to professional registers, particularly within news and media, formal business, and science contexts. While suitable for various settings, it's most effective when followed by specific examples to illustrate the lack of clarity. Related terms include "ambiguity" and "imprecision", each carrying subtle nuances. To avoid "vagueness" in your own writing, ensure terms are well-defined and provide concrete details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclearness

Directly points to a lack of clarity or understanding.

ambiguity

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations.

imprecision

Focuses on the lack of exactness or accuracy.

impreciseness

Focuses on the state of not being precise.

indefiniteness

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

lack of specificity

Highlights the absence of detailed information.

inexactness

Highlights a lack of accuracy or correctness.

obscurity

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily accessible.

generality

Refers to a statement that is broad and not detailed.

equivocation

Implies a deliberate attempt to avoid a clear statement.

FAQs

How can I use the word "vagueness" in a sentence?

You can use "vagueness" to describe a lack of clarity or precision. For example, "The "vagueness" of the instructions made them difficult to follow."

What are some alternatives to "vagueness"?

Some alternatives include "ambiguity", "imprecision", "indefiniteness", or "unclearness", depending on the specific context.

Is "vagueness" a formal word?

"Vagueness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it's important to provide specific examples to support your claim of "vagueness".

What's the difference between "vagueness" and "ambiguity"?

"Vagueness" refers to a lack of clarity or precision, while "ambiguity" implies that something can be interpreted in multiple ways. While both relate to a lack of clarity, "ambiguity" suggests multiple possible meanings, whereas "vagueness" simply means a lack of definition.