without defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without defined" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that lacks a specific definition or clarity, but it requires additional context or modification to be usable. Example: "The project goals were left without defined parameters, leading to confusion among the team."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Characters without defined histories don't necessarily have to lack substance, but Moss and Avis mostly do.

The New York Times

Countries without defined borders have a hard time believing they're moving in the right direction.

The New York Times

If he had the option, Manuel would prefer not to head into the final three weeks of a heated division race without defined relief roles.

The New York Times - Sports

Canon Alan Amos, the hospital chaplain, said: "He likes to play what I would call mood music - quite circular in nature without defined beginnings or endings".

The Guardian

Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the House Democratic leader, said the House Republican bill would eventually "turn Medicare into a voucher program," without defined, guaranteed benefits.

The New York Times

And just as clearly none of them is happy with the prospect of a ministerial exception without defined limits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

said, without defining the age limits.

The New York Times

He used German and Latin terms without defining them.

The New Yorker

Arafat proclaimed the state (without defining its borders) on November 15.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We can be proud of our nations without defining ourselves in opposition to some other group.

The New York Times

Without defining realistic goals and changing behavior patterns, they say, customer relationship projects are doomed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to describe something that lacks definition, consider using more grammatically standard phrases such as "undefined", "lacking definition", or "without a clear definition".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the passive voice when expressing a lack of definition. Instead of saying "the role was without defined responsibilities", rephrase it actively: "the role lacked defined responsibilities" or "the responsibilities for the role were not defined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without defined" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating the absence of a specific, clear definition. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically questionable and less preferable than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "without defined" is used to express the absence of clear characteristics or boundaries, it is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, alternatives such as "undefined", "lacking definition", or "without a clear definition" are more appropriate. Although the phrase appears across various domains, particularly in Science and News & Media, it is advisable to opt for more precise and grammatically sound options, especially in professional or academic writing. It is highly frequent, yet its correctness is doubtful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking definition

Emphasizes the absence of a clear or precise definition.

undefined

A more concise and grammatically sound alternative.

without clear definition

Explicitly states the lack of a clear definition.

lacking specific parameters

Focuses on the absence of specific measurable characteristics.

without established boundaries

Highlights the absence of defined limits or borders.

unspecified

Indicates that something has not been explicitly stated or detailed.

not clearly delineated

Focuses on the lack of clear separation or distinction.

without precise specifications

Emphasizes the absence of exact or detailed requirements.

ambiguous

Highlights the characteristic of being open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

vague

Implies a lack of clarity or precision.

FAQs

What does "without defined" mean?

The phrase "without defined" generally suggests a lack of clear boundaries, characteristics, or definitions. It implies that something is missing specific parameters or is not clearly delineated.

Is it grammatically correct to say "without defined"?

While commonly used, "without defined" is considered grammatically questionable. It's better to use alternatives like "undefined", "lacking definition", or "without a clear definition".

How can I use "without defined" in a sentence?

Although it's preferable to use alternatives, you might encounter "without defined" in contexts where something lacks specific characteristics. For example: "The project goals were left without defined parameters, leading to confusion."

What are some alternatives to "without defined"?

You can use alternatives such as "lacking definition", "undefined", or "without clear definition", depending on the specific context.