imprecise

[ im-pruh-sahys ]

adjective

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

imprecise

/ ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs; ˌɪmprɪˈsɪʒən /

adjective

1. not precise; inexact or inaccurate

Derived Forms

• imprecision, noun
• ˌimpreˈcisely, adverb

Other Words From

• impre·cisely adverb
• im·pre·ci·sion [im-pr, uh, -, sizh, -, uh, n], impre·ciseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprecise¹

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

Example Sentences

While previous methods were too imprecise to distinguish neighboring cells like mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, single-cell genomics allowed the team to investigate the genetic and structural changes in each cell type from both plants.

From Science Daily

In a letter, a Securus analyst said the data were so imprecise he was unwilling to swear to its accuracy in court.

From Los Angeles Times

While Patel’s LinkedIn post told those interested in campaigning that “we will sort your housing”, it is being argued that this was imprecise language.

From BBC

I depend on a lip that is purposely imprecise, my greatest fear that it would seem I had tried.

From Los Angeles Times

The data on incidents at schools were pulled from iStar reports, which are an imprecise but useful metric.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apocryphal
• deceptive
• distorted
• erroneous
• false
• fictitious
• inaccurate
• incorrect
• misleading
• mistaken
• specious
• spurious
• unfaithful
• unsound
• untruthful
• wrong