English · Word Candidate

vague

/veɪɡ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: vaguer · vaguest · vagues · vaguing

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms.

Adjective

Examples

It follows from what has been said that a vague thought has more likelihood of being true than a precise one. To try and hit an object with a vague thought is like trying to hit the bull's eye with a lump of putty: when the putty reaches the target, it flattens out all over it, and probably covers t

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Not having a precise meaning.

Adjective

Examples

a vague term of abuse

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An indefinite expanse.

Noun

Examples

The gray vague of unsympathizing sea / That dragged his fancy from her moorings back / To shores inhospitable of eldest time.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To become vague or act in a vague manner.

Verb

Examples

Vaguely, yes. I've vagued all my life; that's been my curse.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “vague” mean?

Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms.

Is “vague” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.