yet to be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"yet to be defined" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that hasn't been defined yet but is likely to be in the near future. For example, "The specific requirements of the project are yet to be defined, but the team is working hard to get them finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The role of "first gentleman" has yet to be defined.

The Guardian - Opinion

And his position has yet to be defined.

The New York Times - Arts

It had been around forever, of course, but had yet to be defined.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How the Europeans finesse their challenge to American superpower assumptions has yet to be defined.

The New York Times

"But the whole area of mass-market robotics has yet to be defined".

The Guardian - Tech

"There will be charges brought, the nature of which have yet to be defined," he added.

The New York Times

The marketplace has yet to be defined.

Forbes

The path to creating virtual reality content has been identified, but has yet to be defined.

TechCrunch

However, an atlas for accurate clinical target volume (CTV) delineation has yet to be defined.

Radiotherapy and Oncology

The role of this novel cell type in heart regeneration has yet to be defined.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery

However, its mechanism of proteolysis and active site have yet to be defined.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "yet to be defined", ensure that the context implies a reasonable expectation of future definition or clarification. Avoid using it for concepts that are inherently undefinable or speculative.

Common error

Avoid using "yet to be defined" in purely philosophical or abstract discussions where a concrete definition is unlikely or impossible. This phrase implies a practical resolution, not an existential pondering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yet to be defined" functions as a modifier, indicating that a particular aspect, concept, or entity lacks a clear or established definition at the present time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes an expectation or process towards future clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yet to be defined" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for indicating that something lacks a clear definition but is expected to be defined in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its frequency across scientific, news, and business contexts demonstrates its versatility. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's best practice to ensure that the context warrants an expectation of future clarification. Overuse in abstract or purely philosophical contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "not yet clarified", ""still to be determined"", or "awaiting definition" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not yet clarified

Focuses on the lack of clarity or explanation of something.

still to be determined

Emphasizes the ongoing process of finding a solution or answer.

remains to be seen

Highlights the uncertainty and future unveiling of something.

not yet established

Focuses on the absence of a firm or recognized position.

awaiting definition

Highlights the anticipation of a clear and concise explanation.

to be defined at a later stage

Specifies the delay and future establishment of a definition.

lacks a precise definition

Emphasizes the absence of a specific explanation.

has not been specified

Indicates the absence of explicit details or instructions.

subject to future definition

Highlights the possibility of future defining and is very focused on the subject.

not yet formalized

Concentrates on a lack of official recognition and procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "yet to be defined" in a sentence?

You can use "yet to be defined" to indicate that something is still in the process of being clarified or determined. For instance, "The long-term effects of this policy are "still to be determined"", or "The role of this new department is "not yet clarified"".

What's a more formal alternative to "yet to be defined"?

In formal writing, you could use phrases like "not yet established", "awaiting definition", or "subject to future definition". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "yet to be defined" and "undefined"?

"Yet to be defined" implies that a definition is expected or in progress, while "undefined" suggests that no definition exists and perhaps none is planned or possible. The former has a sense of anticipation, the latter suggests a lack of clarity without a clear path forward.

Which is more appropriate: "The problem is yet to be defined" or "The problem remains undefined"?

"The problem is yet to be defined" suggests that efforts are underway or planned to clarify the problem. "The problem remains undefined" implies that the problem lacks clarity, and there may not be active efforts to solve the issue or explain it.