nebulous

/ˈnebjələs/ (bre, ipa) · [nˈɛbjələs] /ˈnebjələs/ (ame, ipa) · [nˈɛbjələs] /ˈne-byə-ləs How to pronounce nebulous (audio)/ (ame, mw)

nebulous — adjective

  • nebulouspositive
  • more nebulouscomparative
  • most nebuloussuperlative

1. describes an idea, plan, memory, or explanation that stays blurred and only part

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes an idea, plan, memory, or explanation that stays blurred and only partly formed, so people cannot grasp it clearly or turn it into something definite.

例句

Ziad left us with a nebulous plan that mentioned growth but no next step.

nebulous + plan for an idea lacking clear shape

After the meeting, Ingrid still had a nebulous idea of how the app would work.

同義詞
  • vague

    the nearest everyday word; focuses more on missing details than on half-formed shape

  • hazy

    more informal; often suggests a dim memory or tired thinking

  • ill-defined

    stresses weak boundaries or limits rather than cloudy form

  • amorphous

    stronger on lack of structure or shape, especially in groups or plans

反義詞
  • clear

    easy to understand or picture

  • specific

    gives exact details instead of staying general

  • well-defined

    has firm limits or a settled shape

文法句型

nebulous + idea/plan/memory/answer

[idea/goal/future] + remain/seem + nebulous

用法筆記

Usually modifies abstract nouns such as idea, plan, concept, memory, outline, and future. It suggests more than simple lack of clarity: the thing itself still feels foggy and not fully shaped.

常見錯誤

❌I am nebulous about the answer.
✅I am uncertain about the answer.
💡'nebulous' usually describes the idea or answer itself, not a person's state of doubt.

2. describes something that belongs to a nebula or looks like one, spreading in a c

2.形容詞C2
釋義

describes something that belongs to a nebula or looks like one, spreading in a cloudy, diffuse way like dust and gas in space.

例句

The telescope captured a nebulous cloud around the young star before sunrise.

nebulous + cloud in astronomy description

On the screen, a nebulous band of gas crossed the black sky.

同義詞
  • nebular

    the more technical adjective used directly in astronomy

  • cloudlike

    general description of appearance, without the space reference

  • diffuse

    stresses spreading out softly rather than resembling a nebula

反義詞
  • sharp

    having clearly marked edges or detail

  • compact

    tightly gathered rather than spread out

  • well-defined

    showing clear limits or outline

文法句型

nebulous + cloud/glow/band/swirl

用法筆記

Much less common than sense 1 and usually found in scientific or highly descriptive writing. It typically appears before nouns naming light, gas, clouds, or visual forms.

常見錯誤

❌The committee gave a nebulous report to the mayor.
✅The telescope image showed a nebulous cloud near the star.
💡use this sense for a nebula-like physical appearance, not for unclear ideas or statements.