Unspecificity: meaning, definitions and examples

This word indicates a lack of specific details or clarity. It can be used in general contexts where something is not clearly defined or described.

• The instructions given were marked by unspecificity, leaving the workers confused.
• The unspecificity of her goals makes it hard to create a concrete plan.

Vagueness describes a lack of precision or detail in language or situations, leading to a hazy understanding. It can have a slight negative connotation, suggesting that something should be clearer.

• His vagueness about the meeting's agenda frustrated everyone involved.
• The novel's vagueness left readers feeling puzzled about the ending.

This word is used when a situation, statement or expression can be understood in more than one way, leading to confusion or a lack of clarity. It's often encountered in legal, literary, or everyday language.

• The ambiguity in his statement made it hard to know what he actually meant.
• Her poem is filled with ambiguity, allowing readers to interpret it in various ways.

Indeterminacy refers to the quality of being uncertain or unpredictable. It is often used in scientific or philosophical contexts to describe scenarios where outcomes cannot be precisely determined.

• The indeterminacy of quantum mechanics fascinates many physicists.
• There is an indeterminacy about the future of the project given the current economic climate.

Best suited for professional or academic contexts where detail and clarity are required but are missing.

• The unspecificity of the research results made them difficult to interpret.
• Unspecificity in the project guidelines led to confusion among team members.

Often used in abstract or philosophical discussions to describe something that lacks clear boundaries or is open to interpretation.

• The indefiniteness of the concept made it a topic of extensive debate.
• Her indefinite promise didn't provide much reassurance.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe situations where outcomes are unpredictable or not well known. Can have a negative connotation indicating risk or anxiety.

• The uncertainty of the weather made planning the event challenging.
• There is much uncertainty surrounding the future of the company.

Commonly used to describe lack of exactness in measurements, language, or details, especially in scientific or technical contexts.

• The imprecision in the data resulted in incorrect conclusions.
• Imprecision in his speech made it hard to understand his main points.