unclear target

[/ʌnˈklɪr ˈtɑːrɡɪt/]
nounpl: unclear targets
alvo indefinido / objetivo pouco claro
1. A goal, objective, or intended result that is not clearly defined, ambiguous, or difficult to understand
The project failed because the team was working toward an unclear target.
O projeto fracassou porque a equipe estava trabalhando em direção a um alvo indefinido.
2. A person, object, or location that is difficult to identify or locate precisely
The sniper struggled because his unclear target moved too quickly.
O atirador teve dificuldades porque seu alvo pouco claro se movia muito rapidamente.
3. A criticism or complaint directed at someone or something without specificity
Her complaints were an unclear target, hitting everyone and no one in particular.
Suas reclamações eram um alvo indefinido, atingindo todos e ninguém em particular.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian business contexts to describe poorly planned projects or vague directives. In Brazil, it often appears in corporate criticism where managers fail to communicate specific objectives. In the USA, it's frequently used in military, law enforcement, and project management terminology.
NYC Slang
wishy-washy goal / fuzzy objective
Synonyms / Sinônimos
vague objectiveambiguous goalindefinite aimmurky targetfuzzy objective
Antonyms / Antônimos
clear targetprecise goalwell-defined objectiveexplicit aimspecific target

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
alvo indefinido / objetivo pouco claro
Most common usage in business and everyday contexts
Rio de Janeiro
alvo meia-boca / objetivo confuso
More colloquial phrasing common in informal speech
São Paulo
meta pouco clara / objetivo vago
Often used in corporate and professional environments
Portugal
alvo pouco nítido / objetivo impreciso
More formal phrasing preferred in Portuguese European usage

Related Words

ambiguousvagueobjectivegoalpurposeintentionspecificationclarity

Related Idioms & Phrases

shooting in the dark
hitting a moving target
barking up the wrong tree
no fixed point to aim at
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