Word
imprecise
Phoneticsim·pre·cise, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪmpɹəˌsaɪs/
UK/ˌɪmpɹɪsˈaɪs/
Definition
adj. not exact or accurate. You use this to describe information, measurements, or language that is a bit messy and lacks clear details.
adj. lacking exactness or accuracy in detail, measurement, or expression. Often describes language or data that is too vague to be useful for technical purposes.
Examples
“The directions he gave were imprecise and confusing.”
“The scientist warned that using imprecise tools would lead to errors in the final calculation of the experiment.”
“While the general theory was sound, the imprecise wording of the initial report led to several conflicting interpretations among the peer-review committee.”
Examples
simple
“The directions he gave were imprecise and confusing.”
contextual
“The scientist warned that using imprecise tools would lead to errors in the final calculation of the experiment.”
complex
“While the general theory was sound, the imprecise wording of the initial report led to several conflicting interpretations among the peer-review committee.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “imprecise” in context.
Verb
01. become imprecise
“The measurements become imprecise if the equipment is not calibrated regularly.”
verb + adj
02. imprecise in
“The author was criticized for being imprecise in her use of technical terminology.”
adj + prep
03. remain imprecise
“Despite the new data, our understanding of the phenomenon remains imprecise.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. highly imprecise
“The initial estimates were highly imprecise and led to significant budgeting errors.”
adv + adj
05. notoriously imprecise
“Long-range weather forecasting remains a notoriously imprecise science.”
adv + adj
06. rather imprecise
“The witness gave a rather imprecise description of the suspect's clothing.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. imprecise definition
“The law was struck down because it relied on an imprecise definition of 'harm'.”
adj + noun
08. imprecise language
“The contract was difficult to enforce due to imprecise language in the main clauses.”
adj + noun
09. imprecise measurement
“An imprecise measurement at the start of the project caused delays later on.”
adj + noun
10. be imprecise about
“The report was deliberately imprecise about the exact timing of the events.”
11. necessarily imprecise
“Any historical reconstruction of this period is necessarily imprecise.”
12. somewhat imprecise nature of
“The somewhat imprecise nature of the data makes it hard to draw firm conclusions.”
Usage
Commonly used to modify nouns like 'data', 'measurements', 'language', or 'instructions'.
Real-World Examples
“So far, scientific efforts to define UPF have revealed only how fuzzy the category is, and how imprecise the term “ultra-processed” can be.” “At first, its muscular control is somewhat imprecise, but eventually, it produces a highly refined acoustic pattern.” “We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language," said the memo, which set a 10-day deadline for information.” “Instead, we’re left to rely on the claims of A.I. companies, which often use vague, fuzzy and imprecise language to describe their products’ capabilities.” Etymology
From im- + precise.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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