in-focus

IPA/ɪnfˈəʊkəs/
IPA/ɪnfˈoʊkəs/

in-focus — adjective

1. describing a photograph, film, or video image that appears sharp and clear becau

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing a photograph, film, or video image that appears sharp and clear because the lens was set to the correct distance

Example

The photographer deleted the blurry frames and kept only the three in-focus shots.

in-focus + shot — compound adjective before noun

An in-focus close-up shows every tiny detail, like the veins on a leaf.

Common collocations
  • in-focus shot
  • in-focus image
  • in-focus photo
  • in-focus picture
  • in-focus close-up
Synonyms
  • clear

    broader — can describe sound, writing, or weather; 'in-focus' is specific to visual sharpness from proper lens adjustment

  • sharp

    nearly interchangeable for images; 'sharp' also describes detail contrast, while 'in-focus' specifically means not blurry

Antonyms
  • out-of-focus

    the direct opposite; describes an image that is blurry due to incorrect lens adjustment

Grammar Patterns

in-focus + noun (image / photo / shot / picture)

Usage Note

This compound adjective is used almost exclusively before a noun (attributive position), e.g. 'an in-focus image'. The predicative equivalent is the phrase 'in focus' (e.g. 'the image is in focus' — see the idiom section). Figurative uses of 'in-focus' (e.g. 'an in-focus plan') are less common than the literal photographic sense.

Common Mistakes

The picture is in-focus.
The picture is in focus.
When used after a verb like 'be', use the phrase 'in focus' (no hyphen), not the compound adjective.
Idioms

in focus

idiom

used to say that an image, photograph, or video is sharp and clear because the lens is set correctly; also used figuratively to mean that something is clearly understood or being given proper attention

Once Lin adjusted the projector, the slides were finally in focus for the whole class.

After weeks of discussion, the company's long-term goals are now back in focus.

out of focus

idiom

used to say that an image is not sharp or clear because the lens is set incorrectly; also used figuratively to mean vague, unclear, or not being properly attended to

Wei deleted the group photo because everyone was out of focus.

The main issues in the debate seemed to drift out of focus as the argument went on.

bring something into focus

idiom

to adjust a lens so that an image becomes sharp and clear; or, to make something easier to understand by directing proper attention to it

Mathieu turned the lens ring slowly to bring the distant mountains into focus.

The documentary brought the problem of ocean pollution into sharp focus for viewers.

come into focus

idiom

to gradually become sharp and clear to the eye, especially after the lens is adjusted or as an object moves closer; or, to become understood or noticed clearly after being unclear

As the fog lifted, the lighthouse slowly came into focus.

The details of the plan came into focus during the team meeting on Friday.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe good visual quality, but they differ in what they emphasise. 'In-focus' is the most specific — it means the lens was correctly adjusted so nothing looks blurry ('an in-focus image'). 'Sharp' focuses on the contrast between edges and fine details ('a sharp photo of the bird's feathers'). 'Clear' is the broadest term, covering everything from visual clarity to sound, writing, and ideas ('a clear day', 'clear instructions'). 'Crisp' suggests fresh, clean quality with strong contrast, often used about freshly taken photos or new clothing ('a crisp autumn photo'). In photography contexts, 'in-focus' is directly opposite to 'blurry' or 'out of focus', while 'sharp' overlaps but also describes lens quality and resolution. For everyday non-photography use, 'clear' is the safest choice, while 'crisp' adds a more positive, approving tone.

in-focus ↗sharp ↗clear ↗crisp ↗