imprecise

[im-pruh-sahys]

adjective

1. not precise; not exact; vague or ill-defined.

imprecise

/ ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs, ˌɪmprɪˈsɪʒən /

adjective

1. not precise; inexact or inaccurate

Other Word Forms

• imprecisely adverb
• imprecision noun
• impreciseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprecise¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; im- ² + precise

Example Sentences

“Battlefield damage assessment is an imprecise art, with initial estimates frequently being way off,” said Patrick Clawson, an expert on Iran and director for research at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

From Los Angeles Times

The margin of error may be imprecise; however, the survey’s estimated margin of error for Los Angeles County voters is 2 percentage points, and higher for subgroups.

From Los Angeles Times

The margin of error may be imprecise; however, the survey’s estimated margin of error for L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Agriculture scientist, said in an email that finding H5N1 antibodies in the blood of veterinarians was an interesting “but very imprecise way to measure state cattle incidence.”

From Los Angeles Times

But a group of scientists from Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and cities around the United States argue that the concept is scientifically imprecise — and worse, it might be backfiring.

From Salon

Related Words

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• unreliable