imprecise

1 of 2

adjective

im·​pre·​cise ˌim-pri-ˈsīs 

: not precise : inexact, vague

an imprecise estimate

imprecisely adverb

impreciseness noun

imprecision

ˌim-pri-ˈsi-zhən 

noun

imprecision

2 of 2

noun

im·​precision ¦im+ 

: the quality or state of being imprecise : lack of precision

it is the indefiniteness, the imprecision of the process that is baffling

—Herbert Read

an imprecision of language

: inaccuracy

trying to mark as accurately as possible with tools calibrated with great imprecision

Synonyms of imprecise

Adjective

• inaccurate
• approximate
• approximative

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

Adjective

Some estimates were too imprecise to support a firm conclusion, and previous longitudinal studies have reported links between loneliness, isolation and physical illness. — The Conversation Us, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026

The comparison is imprecise because prediction markets and gambling companies calculate activity differently, and the sportsbooks have not yet released their recent internal numbers. — Nathaniel Popper, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Because that is the imprecise language used in reference to the children of Al Hol; of the 70,000 residents, approximately two-thirds are children, of whom approximately half are under twelve. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

The previous name, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is imprecise and confusing to patients, families and physicians. — Melanie Cree, The Conversation, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

in- entry 1 + precision

First Known Use

Adjective

1805, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imprecise

• sacrifice
• advice
• allspice
• concise
• device
• entice
• excise
• fordyce
• precise
• suffice
• dice
• feis

Kids Definition

imprecise

adjective

im·​pre·​cise ˌim-pri-ˈsīs 

: not precise

an imprecise estimate

imprecisely adverb

impreciseness noun

imprecision

-ˈsizh-ən 

noun