underdetermined
More unknowns than equations
Underdetermined describes a situation where available evidence or constraints don't fully determine a single answer.
A system of equations is underdetermined when there are fewer equations than unknowns, yielding infinite solutions.
In philosophy, a theory is underdetermined when the same data could support multiple competing explanations: The fossil record leaves the question underdetermined.
The opposite is overdetermined.
Lacking fixed boundaries
- possibilitiesThings that may occur
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- ambiguityOpenness to multiple interpretations
creative · divergent · exploratory · potential · unconstrained · latitude · optionality
Lacking final determination
- unsettledNot yet resolved
- undecidedNot having chosen
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
preliminary · incomplete · pending · open · unfinished · unconfirmed · unsubstantiated
Unclear and formless
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
- indistinctUnclear, hard to perceive
- fuzzySoft and unclear
- murkyDark and unclear
unclear · indefinite · unspecific · ambiguous · equivocal · underspecified · ill-defined · nonspecific
Mathematical equality statements
- variablesChangeable elements in equations
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- systemsOrganized sets of elements
- linearArranged in straight succession
constraints · solutions · unknowns · singular · ill-posed · optimization · algebra · matrix
Theory of knowledge
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
- holismWholes trump components
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- relativismContext-dependent truth doctrine
Facts for analysis
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- hypothesesProposed explanations to test
- modelsScaled representations or fashion workers
- theoryExplanatory set of principles
experiment · observation · interpretation · inference · explanation · prediction · falsification · verification
open-ended
Lacking fixed boundaries
- possibilitiesThings that may occur
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- interpretationAssigned meaning
ambiguity · creative · divergent · exploratory · potential · unconstrained · latitude · optionality
unresolved
Lacking final determination
provisional · preliminary · incomplete · pending · open · unfinished · unconfirmed · unsubstantiated
nebulous
Unclear and formless
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
- indistinctUnclear, hard to perceive
- fuzzySoft and unclear
murky · unclear · indefinite · unspecific · ambiguous · equivocal · underspecified · ill-defined · nonspecific · amorphous
equations
Mathematical equality statements
- variablesChangeable elements in equations
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- systemsOrganized sets of elements
linear · constraints · solutions · unknowns · singular · ill-posed · optimization · algebra · matrix · vector
epistemology
Theory of knowledge
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
- holismWholes trump components
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
data
Facts for analysis
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- hypothesesProposed explanations to test
- modelsScaled representations or fashion workers
theory · experiment · observation · interpretation · inference · explanation · prediction · falsification · verification · methodology
underdeterminedoverdetermined
Having excess determining factors
overconstrained · determined · constrained · well-defined · solvable
underdetermineddetermined
Firmly committed to purpose
well-defined · specified · definite · fixed · settled
underdeterminedoverdetermined
Having excess determining factors
established · certain · conclusive · definitive · settled
determined, determine, determination, predetermined, undetermined, indeterminate, determinate, determinant, determinable