vague

[veyg]

adjective

vaguer, vaguest 

1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed.

   vague promises.

   Synonyms: imprecise, unspecific

2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings.

   a vague premonition of disaster.

3. not clear or distinct to the sight or any other sense; perceptible or recognizable only in an indefinite way: vague murmurs behind a door.

   vague shapes in the dark;

   vague murmurs behind a door.

   Synonyms: shadowy, hazy, obscure

4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known; uncertain.

   a vague rumor;

   The date of his birth is vague.

5. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: a vague person.

   vague about his motives;

   a vague person.

6. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) showing lack of clear perception or understanding.

   a vague stare.

vague

/ veɪɡ /

adjective

1. (of statements, meaning, etc) not explicit; imprecise

   vague promises

2. not clearly perceptible or discernible; indistinct

   a vague idea

   a vague shape

3. not clearly or definitely established or known

   a vague rumour

4. (of a person or his expression) demonstrating lack of precision or clear thinking; absent-minded

Other Word Forms

• vaguely adverb
• vagueness noun
• unvague adjective
• unvagueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vague¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French or directly from Latin vagus “wandering”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vague¹

C16: via French from Latin vagus wandering, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The bill being vague and founded on the “made-up criteria” of the senators who authored it threatens the health and lives of far more people than those who elect to terminate their pregnancies, she said.

From Salon

Experts warn the obscure 19th century law at the heart of the debate is vague and “full of loopholes,” worrying some who see repeated deployment as a slippery slope to widespread, long-term military occupations.

From Los Angeles Times

The experience impressed two things upon Mahan: a need for accountability and the importance of voters’ lived experience, as opposed to vague promises, abstract notions and politically fashionable statements.

From Los Angeles Times

Palestinian statehood is mentioned, but only in the vaguest of terms.

From BBC

But his rivals have questioned his lack of political experience and criticised some of his statements as vague.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambiguous 
• dubious 
• equivocal 
• faint 
• fuzzy 
• hazy 
• imprecise 
• lax 
• nebulous 
• obscure 
• uncertain 
• unclear 
• unsure