unprecise
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking exactness or accuracy: "unprecise" describes something that is not definite, exact, or clearly defined; it implies a degree of vagueness or ambiguity.
- Not clearly stated or measured: Refers to information, language, or measurements that are not precise or detailed.
Usage Examples
- (The instructions lacked clear details.)
- (His account was not accurate or specific.)
- (The tool produced inexact readings.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be unprecise in one's wording": to use language that is vague or ambiguous.
- She was unprecise in her wording, which caused the contract to be misinterpreted. (Her choice of words was not clear or exact.)
Variants and Related Words
- Unprecisely (adverb): in an unprecise manner; with lack of exactness.
- The data was recorded unprecisely, making analysis difficult. (The recording lacked accuracy.)
- Unprecision (noun): the quality or state of being unprecise.
- The unprecision of the historical account raised doubts among scholars. (The lack of precision caused uncertainty.)
Synonyms
- Imprecise: not exact or accurate.
- Vague: not clearly expressed or understood.
- Ambiguous: open to more than one interpretation.
- Inexact: not strictly accurate or correct.
Antonyms
- Precise: exact and accurate.
- Exact: correct in every detail.
- Clear: easy to perceive or understand.
Related Idioms
"To be off by a mile": to be very unprecise or inaccurate.
- His estimate was off by a mile, showing how unprecise his calculations were. (His guess was extremely inaccurate.)
"To shoot from the hip": to act or speak quickly and unprecisely without careful thought.
- He tends to shoot from the hip, giving unprecise answers during meetings. (He responds impulsively without precision.)