unclear definition

[/ʌnˈklɪr ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən/]
noun phrasepl: unclear definitions
definição vaga / definição pouco clara / definição imprecisa
1. A statement or explanation of the meaning of something that is ambiguous, confusing, or not clearly expressed
The contract had an unclear definition of what constitutes 'reasonable effort'.
O contrato tinha uma definição vaga do que constitui 'esforço razoável'.
2. A lack of precision or clarity in specifying the exact nature or scope of something
The unclear definition of project scope led to misunderstandings between the team and client.
A definição pouco clara do escopo do projeto levou a desentendimentos entre a equipe e o cliente.
In both American and Brazilian business contexts, unclear definitions are sources of significant frustration and legal disputes. In American corporate culture, there's emphasis on explicit contractual language to avoid ambiguity. In Brazilian Portuguese, the concept often appears in discussions about bureaucratic procedures and legal documents, where vague definitions (definições vagas) are particularly criticized for creating loopholes and confusion.
NYC Slang
wishy-washy definition / fuzzy definition / definition that doesn't cut it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
vague definitionambiguous definitionimprecise definitionfuzzy definitionindefinite definition
Antonyms / Antônimos
clear definitionprecise definitionexact definitionwell-definedexplicit definition

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
definição vaga / definição pouco clara
Most commonly used in formal and academic contexts
São Paulo
definição vaga
Preferred in business and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
definição confusa / definição não tão clara
More colloquial usage
Portugal
definição pouco clara / definição imprecisa
Formal usage, slightly different emphasis than Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

ambiguityvaguenessclarificationspecificationprecisionobscurity

Related Idioms & Phrases

between the lines
lost in translation
read between the lines
gray area
leave something undefined
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