ill-defined

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to reports, these include OpenAI going public or achieving artificial general intelligence, a sometimes ill-defined standard of AI capability that more closely matches human-level ability.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

The threat of a looming, if ill-defined, stand-off with Russia has become part of France's national discourse.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

The Treaty of Paris, which was signed in 1783 and ended the American Revolution, left the dividing line between what is now Quebec and New Hampshire ill-defined.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2024

And characters other than Napoleon and Joséphine are so superficial and ill-defined that again and again you’re left to wonder: Who’s that?

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2023

They saw themselves as the only true protectors of the Southern way of life—that ill-defined but beloved social order which was under attack from all sides.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson