What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imprecision
Example
The imprecision of the instructions led to confusion among the team. [imprecision: noun]
Example
Her imprecise language made it difficult to understand her point. [imprecise: adjective]
vagueness
Example
The vagueness of the proposal made it difficult to assess its feasibility. [vagueness: noun]
Example
His vague response left me unsure of what he meant. [vague: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vagueness is more commonly used than imprecision in everyday language. Vagueness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while imprecision is less common and typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imprecision and vagueness?
Imprecision is more formal than vagueness. It is often used in technical or scientific writing, where precision and accuracy are essential. Vagueness, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
