What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imprecise
Example
Her instructions were imprecise and difficult to follow. [imprecise: adjective]
Example
The measurement was imprecise, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5%. [imprecise: adjective]
Example
The definition of the term was imprecise and open to interpretation. [imprecise: adjective]
inaccurate
Example
The news report was inaccurate and contained many errors. [inaccurate: adjective]
Example
The measurement was inaccurate, with a significant deviation from the true value. [inaccurate: adjective]
Example
The definition of the term was inaccurate and did not reflect its true meaning. [inaccurate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inaccurate is more commonly used than imprecise in everyday language. Inaccurate is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while imprecise is less common and is typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imprecise and inaccurate?
Both imprecise and inaccurate are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
