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Amorphous

(pronounced uh-mawr-fus)  adjective

Definition

1. lacking definite form; shapeless.    2. of no particular sort or type; irregular or anomalous; unclassifiable.    3. lacking organization or system.

Main Example

• Ask ten people "What is the meaning of happiness?" and chances are you will get ten different answers! That is because the term "happiness" is so amorphous. So, when Time magazine tackled this abstract concept in a special issue last month, it received much publicity on radio and TV.

Workplace Examples

• Brian is the only person who possesses a clear understanding of where we need to be five years from now. Everyone else in the running for the vice president's slot is sort of amorphous in his vision.
• Our business objectives and plans are still a bit too amorphous--they are vague and ill-defined! Until we make them specific--give them definite shape--employee enthusiasm will remain lukewarm.

Other Examples

• in trying to sell you on a job opportunity, somebody saying: "Sure the salary is modest, but you will be in a position to shape this vital organization's long-term direction and accomplishments. And, because that sort of activity is so very stimulating, it is considered a perk, albeit an amorphous perk!"
• a crime investigation being hampered because the sole eye witness's description of the suspect is amorphous
• an issue, problem, or threat that is amorphous in people's minds--as terrorism was before Sept. 11--because it is either very complicated or very little is known about it
• the amorphous asteroids--their shapeless forms suggesting they are remnants of an explosion in space

© 2005 V.J. Singal

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