amorphous
Describes something that lacks a clear or definite shape, form, or structure. It can refer to physical substances that do not have a crystalline structure or abstract concepts that are poorly defined and disorganized.
Examples
3 of 5The artist stared at the amorphous lump of clay, wondering what it would eventually become.
The artist stared at the amorphous lump of clay, wondering what it would eventually become.
The legal department argued that the contract's terms were too amorphous to be enforceable in court.
The legal department argued that the contract's terms were too amorphous to be enforceable in court.
I have some amorphous ideas for my birthday party, but nothing is set in stone yet.
I have some amorphous ideas for my birthday party, but nothing is set in stone yet.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'morph' which means shape (like Power Rangers Morphing). The prefix 'a-' means 'without'. So, amorphous is 'without shape'.
Quick Quiz
The project remained ________ for several months until a new manager provided a clear timeline and goals.
Correct!
The correct answer is: amorphous
Examples
The artist stared at the amorphous lump of clay, wondering what it would eventually become.
everydayThe artist stared at the amorphous lump of clay, wondering what it would eventually become.
The legal department argued that the contract's terms were too amorphous to be enforceable in court.
formalThe legal department argued that the contract's terms were too amorphous to be enforceable in court.
I have some amorphous ideas for my birthday party, but nothing is set in stone yet.
informalI have some amorphous ideas for my birthday party, but nothing is set in stone yet.
In physics, glass is classified as an amorphous solid because its atoms are not arranged in a regular lattice.
academicIn physics, glass is classified as an amorphous solid because its atoms are not arranged in a regular lattice.
The startup's business plan was still amorphous, causing potential investors to hesitate.
businessThe startup's business plan was still amorphous, causing potential investors to hesitate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
amorphous blob
amorphous blob
amorphous organization
amorphous organization
amorphous cloud
amorphous cloud
Often Confused With
Ambiguous means having a double meaning or being unclear in intent, while amorphous means lacking a physical or structural shape.
Anomalous means deviating from what is normal or expected, whereas amorphous refers specifically to formlessness.
Usage Notes
Use 'amorphous' when you want to emphasize a lack of organization or boundaries, whether you are talking about a literal cloud or a figurative political movement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use this to mean 'confusing'; however, it specifically describes the lack of structure rather than the difficulty of understanding.
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'morph' which means shape (like Power Rangers Morphing). The prefix 'a-' means 'without'. So, amorphous is 'without shape'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'amorphos', where 'a-' means 'without' and 'morphe' means 'form' or 'shape'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In science fiction literature and film, 'amorphous' is frequently used to describe terrifying, shapeless alien entities or monsters.
Quick Quiz
The project remained ________ for several months until a new manager provided a clear timeline and goals.
Correct!
The correct answer is: amorphous
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
people
A1People refers to a group of human beings or the general public. It is the standard plural form of the word 'person'.
put
A1To move something into a particular place or position. It is a fundamental verb used to describe the act of placing an object or setting a situation in a specific location.
mean
A1To have a specific sense or significance, especially when explaining a word or sign. It can also describe a person's intention or the importance of something to someone.
keep
A1To continue to have or hold something in your possession or at your disposal. It also means to remain in a specific state, condition, or position without changing.
begin
A1To start doing something or for an event to happen for the first time. It is often used to describe the first point of a process or activity.
seem
A1To give the impression of being something or having a particular quality based on what you see or hear. It is used to describe an appearance or feeling that may or may not be the actual truth.
help
A1To make it easier for someone to do something by offering your services, resources, or support. It can involve physical effort, providing information, or giving money to assist a person or a cause.
talk
A1To speak in order to give information or express ideas, feelings, or thoughts. It typically involves a conversation between two or more people or a person addressing an audience.
start
A1To begin doing something or to cause something to happen for the first time. It is frequently used when talking about movements, journeys, or making a machine or engine begin to work.
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