Vagueness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something lacks clarity or is unclear. Often refers to general statements or descriptions.

• The vagueness of his instructions made it hard to know what to do next.
• Her reply was filled with vagueness, leaving everyone confused.

Refers to something that can have more than one meaning or interpretation. Common in literature, language, and legal situations.

• The contract's ambiguity led to a lot of confusion between the parties.
• The poem thrives on ambiguity, allowing readers to find their own meanings.

Applied when there is a lack of certainty or surety about something. Common in decision-making, forecasts, and events.

• There was a lot of uncertainty about the outcome of the election.
• His uncertainty about the plan was evident in his hesitation.

Used when something is hard to see, hear, or recognize clearly. Often about sensory experiences.

• The picture's indistinctness made it difficult to identify the people.
• The indistinctness of the sound prevented us from locating its source.

When something is not clear or specific, often used in discussions or writing to describe ideas, plans, or statements that lack detail.

• The vagueness of his instructions left everyone confused.
• There is a certain vagueness in her essay that makes it hard to understand her main point.

Refers to something that is difficult to understand or unknown, often used with a negative connotation suggesting that something is hidden or not well-known.

• The philosopher's writings are filled with obscurity, making them hard to read.
• He lived in relative obscurity before his talent was discovered.

Often used to describe physical vision or images that are not clear, but can also describe memories or perceptions that are indistinct or confused.

• Without my glasses, everything is just a blur.
• The events of that night are just a blur to me now.

Typically refers to a lack of clarity caused by fog, mist, or other factors affecting visibility, but can also describe unclear memories or thoughts.

• The haziness of the morning mist made it difficult to see the road.
• There was some haziness in his recollection of the incident.

Used when something lacks clarity or precision, often in communication, ideas, or memories.

• His vagueness made it difficult to understand his point.
• The instructions were full of vagueness, leaving everyone confused.

Indicates a lack of exact limits, boundaries, or definitions. Often used in more formal or technical terminology.

• The indefiniteness of the contract terms caused many disputes.
• Indefiniteness in his answers prevented us from making a solid plan.

Describes a sudden or unexpected change, often in behavior or situations. This term can have a slightly whimsical or unexpected connotation.

• The vagaries of the weather made the picnic difficult to plan.
• Her mood swings seemed like random vagaries, difficult to predict.

Refers to a lack of mental clarity, often due to tiredness or distraction, and can also describe literal foggy conditions in weather.

• She struggled to focus through the fogginess of her tired mind.
• The heavy fogginess outside made driving difficult.