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nebulousunclear, vague, or ill-defined

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: unclear, vague, or ill-defined

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnebjələs/

Example Sentences

  • The CEO's nebulous answer about layoffs made employees even more anxious.
  • His dating profile was so nebulous that nobody knew what he actually looked like or did for work.
  • The politician's nebulous promises during the campaign disappointed many voters.

nebulous

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈnebjələs/]

unclear, vague, or ill-defined

His plan sounded nebulous, with no clear steps or goals.
💡 Concept

His plan sounded nebulous, with no clear steps or goals.

Neb asks 'You? Lousy vision!' in the foggy, unclear world
🧠 Mnemonic

Neb asks 'You? Lousy vision!' in the foggy, unclear world

Her nebulous art seems fabulous to the rebellious artist!
🎵 Rhyme

Her nebulous art seems fabulous to the rebellious artist!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈnebjələs/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈnebjʊləs/

🌳Etymology

Rootnebul-
Suffix--ous

Origin

From Latin 'nebula' meaning 'cloud' or 'mist', combined with the diminutive suffix '-ous' (full of). The word entered English in the 16th century and originally referred to cloudiness or haziness before developing its metaphorical sense of vagueness.

Breakdown

nebul- (cloud, from Latin nebula) + -ous (full of, characterized by) = nebulous (full of clouds, unclear, vague)

🎵Rhyme

fabulousmarvelousrebellious
fabulous
marvelous
rebellious

🔗Collocations

nebulous concept
nebulous plans
nebulous future
remain nebulous
nebulous ideas
nebulous objectives
nebulous explanation

📝Examples

The CEO's nebulous answer about layoffs made employees even more anxious.

😄 Fun example

His dating profile was so nebulous that nobody knew what he actually looked like or did for work.

The politician's nebulous promises during the campaign disappointed many voters.

😄 Fun example

My grandmother's recipe instructions were so nebulous that I ended up ordering pizza instead.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

vagueunclearambiguoushazyindefinite

Antonyms

cleardefiniteprecise

Related

nebulaobscuremurkyindistinct

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