im·pre·cise
ˌim-pri-ˈsīs 
: the quality or state of being imprecise : lack of precision
it is the indefiniteness, the imprecision of the process that is baffling—
Herbert Read
Herbert Readan imprecision of language
: inaccuracy
trying to mark as accurately as possible with tools calibrated with great imprecision
Examples of imprecise in a Sentence
Adjective
It's an imprecise translation of the original sentence.
3.14 is an imprecise approximation of the value of pi
Recent Examples on the Web
Melanie Cree, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
With all these features and a unique design that eliminates all the rattling and imprecise grips of conventional wrenches, this tool could find frequent use in your workshop.
—New Atlas, 18 May 2026
County elections officials explained that the activists were relying on imprecise data.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
The large-scale, deterministic behavior of physical systems naturally becomes imprecise and unpredictable, dissolving the divide between the classical and quantum realms.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
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Adjective
The previous name, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is imprecise and confusing to patients, families and physicians.
—Melanie Cree, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
With all these features and a unique design that eliminates all the rattling and imprecise grips of conventional wrenches, this tool could find frequent use in your workshop.
—New Atlas, 18 May 2026
County elections officials explained that the activists were relying on imprecise data.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
The large-scale, deterministic behavior of physical systems naturally becomes imprecise and unpredictable, dissolving the divide between the classical and quantum realms.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imprecise
Cite this Entry
“Imprecise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprecise. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imprecise
adjective
im·pre·cise
ˌim-pri-ˈsīs
: not precise
an imprecise estimate
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