- Today's Word
Nebulous
[NEB-yuh-lus]
Definition
- (noun) Something that is vague, cloudy, or unclear. It often refers to ideas, concepts, or situations that are hazy, poorly defined, or lacking in distinct form or structure.
Example
The company’s nebulous policy on remote work left employees confused about whether they were allowed to work from home and under what circumstances.
Fun Fact
The word “nebulous” comes from the Latin word “nebula,” meaning “mist” or “cloud.” In astronomy, a nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space, often visible as a hazy patch of light. The term’s astronomical connection adds depth to its metaphorical use, evoking images of vast, indistinct cosmic clouds to describe unclear or poorly defined concepts in everyday life.
(adjective) Of no value or importance; worthless or futile.
The committee’s recommendations proved nugatory since no one had the authority to implement them.
Early 17th century: from Latin “nugatorius,” from “nugari” meaning “to trifle,” derived from “nugae” meaning “jests” or “trifles.”