Cool MateVague
UK //veɪg//US //veɪg//
Definition
Not clearly expressed or defined; lacking precision.
In simple words: Not clear or specific.
Examples
- Her instructions were too vague to follow.
- The report gave vague details about the project.
- He had a vague sense of unease throughout the meeting.
- In his defense, his statement was vague and easily misinterpreted.
- The timeline for the project remains vague at this stage.
Usage notes
Use 'vague' to describe unclear or imprecise ideas, statements, or expressions. Avoid in formal writing when clarity is required.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of 'vague' as 'faded', like a blurry image that’s hard to see clearly.
Collocations
- vague idea
- vague notion
- vague statement
- vague memory
- vague description
Synonyms
- unclear
- indistinct
- imprecise
- ambiguous
- hazy
Antonyms
- clear
- specific
- explicit
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'ambiguous'—vague implies lack of clarity, while ambiguous suggests multiple meanings.
- Using 'vague' with count nouns—it's an adjective that typically describes uncountable concepts.
- Wrongly assuming 'vague' can only describe physical things—it also applies to ideas and statements.