was not defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that lacks a clear or established definition, often in academic or technical contexts. Example: "In the study, the term 'sustainability' was not defined, leading to confusion among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The sample size was not defined on the basis of a pre-defined hypothesis testing.

BMC Family Practice

But the term "residents" was not defined.

The New York Times

What this meant was not defined.

The New York Times

The exact nature of that executive action was not defined.

The Guardian

But Ms. Wang said she was not defined by wealth — either her own or her parents'.

The New York Times - Tech

She was all of these, but she was not defined by any one of them.

The New York Times - Arts

Mitt Romney said, "He was not defined, in his own mind, by winning elections.

The New Yorker

How quickly any of that will actually take effect was not defined.

The New York Times

Because we did not specifically address what constitutes “retaliation,” however, the precise scope of that term was not defined.

Cornell University

Then one day, it hit him: his self-worth was not defined by what he could accomplish in gymnastics.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Exactly how much some might be was not defined.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not defined", ensure the context makes it clear who or what had the responsibility to define it. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader knows what should have been defined. Explicitly state why the lack of definition is significant or causes problems in understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not defined" functions as a passive construction indicating the absence of a definition for a particular term, concept, or entity. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various academic and professional fields to highlight a lack of clarity or specification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not defined" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the absence of a clear definition for something. Ludwig confirms its wide applicability across various domains, especially science and news media. While versatile, clarity can be enhanced by specifying who or what was responsible for providing the definition. When writing, avoid assuming that readers automatically understand implicit terms, and emphasize the impact of the lack of definition. By understanding the nuances of "was not defined", writers can ensure greater precision and avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was left undefined

This alternative places emphasis on the act of leaving something without a definition.

remained unspecified

Focuses on the lack of specific detailing.

was not specified

Highlights the absence of a clear specification.

was not clarified

Emphasizes the lack of clarification.

lacked a definition

Directly states the absence of a definition.

was not identified

Focuses on the failure to pinpoint or recognize something clearly.

was not delineated

Emphasizes the absence of clear boundaries or distinctions.

was not characterized

Highlights the lack of description of key characteristics.

was not detailed

Focuses on the omission of finer details.

was vaguely described

Indicates the description was unclear or imprecise.

FAQs

How can I use "was not defined" in a sentence?

Use "was not defined" to indicate that a term, concept, or procedure lacked a clear or established explanation. For example: "The scope of the project "was not defined", leading to scope creep."

What are some alternatives to "was not defined"?

Alternatives include "was left undefined", "remained unspecified", or "was not specified". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "was not defined" or "was undefined"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "was not defined" is generally preferred in formal writing as it is more explicit and avoids potential ambiguity. "Was undefined" is acceptable but can sometimes sound less precise.

Why is it important to define terms clearly?

Defining terms clearly prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone shares a common understanding. When a key term "was not defined", it can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and ultimately, flawed conclusions.