ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vague

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈveɪɡ// UK //vˈeɪɡ// vague Archaic

adj. not clear or specific. You use this when someone's words or ideas are hard to understand because they do not give enough details.

adj. lacking a clear or precise meaning; not clearly expressed or defined. Often describes communication that is intentionally or unintentionally evasive.


SIMPLE

His answer was very vague and didn't help me.

CONTEXTUAL

The contract used vague language that made it difficult to determine who was responsible for the repairs.

COMPLEX

The witness provided a vague description of the suspect, noting only that he wore a dark jacket and appeared to be of average height.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French vague, from Latin vagus (“uncertain, vague”, literally “wandering, rambling, strolling”).

Usage

Commonly modifies nouns related to communication, such as 'promise', 'description', or 'memory'.

© 2026 English Reference