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ill-defined zone

[/ɪl dɪˈfaɪnd zoʊn/]
nounpl: ill-defined zones
zona mal definida
1. An area or region whose boundaries, characteristics, or limits are unclear, vague, or not precisely established
The disputed territory remains an ill-defined zone between the two countries.
O território disputado permanece uma zona mal definida entre os dois países.
2. In technical or scientific contexts, a space or field where parameters are ambiguous or lack clear demarcation
The transition from the urban to rural areas creates an ill-defined zone.
A transição da área urbana para a rural cria uma zona mal definida.
Synonyms
ambiguous areaunclear regionvague boundaryfuzzy zoneindeterminate areaindefinite region
Antonyms
well-defined zoneclearly demarcated areaprecise boundarydistinct region

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
zona mal definida
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
zona indefinida
Alternative common usage in São Paulo region
Rio de Janeiro
área imprecisa
Alternative expression used in Rio de Janeiro
Portugal
zona mal delimitada
European Portuguese preference for 'delimitada' over 'definida'

Related Idioms & Phrases

in a gray area
a fuzzy boundary
no man's land
between a rock and a hard place
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