imprecise

adjective

im·​pre·​cise ˌim-pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
: not precise : inexact, vague
an imprecise estimate
imprecisely adverb
impreciseness noun
imprecision noun

Examples of imprecise in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As surprising as this imprecise relationship may be, the Fed simply can’t ignore the pesky laws of economics. Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Areas with bag rules also demonstrated a 30 percent to 37 percent reduction in the presence of entangled animals, although the authors noted that these results were imprecise. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 19 June 2025 Biologists can afford to be flexible and imprecise when the stakes are merely a conversational misunderstanding. Alex Erwin, The Conversation, 6 June 2025 The dreamer searches out the right words to communicate it; the words are always insufficient and imprecise. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for imprecise

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imprecise was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Imprecise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprecise. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

imprecise

adjective
im·​pre·​cise ˌim-pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
: not precise
an imprecise estimate
imprecisely adverb
impreciseness noun
imprecision noun

More from Merriam-Webster on imprecise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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