"was not defined" vs "has not been defined"

Question

"was not defined" vs "has not been defined"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Has not been defined" is used when referring to something that has not been defined up to the present moment, indicating a current state. On the other hand, "was not defined" is used when referring to something that was not defined in the past, indicating a completed action.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use "was not defined" when referring to something that was not defined in the past, indicating a completed action.

Examples:

The term was not defined in the previous version of the document.
The variable was not defined before the experiment.

Alternatives:

had not been defined
was left undefined
did not have a definition
was not given a definition

Use "has not been defined" when referring to something that has not been defined up to the present moment, indicating a current state.

Examples:

The terms of the agreement have not been defined yet.
The concept has not been defined clearly in the research paper.

Alternatives:

is not defined
has yet to be defined
remains undefined
has not received a definition

Answer 1

was not defined

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something was not defined in the past, indicating a completed action.

Answer 2

has not been defined

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something has not been defined up to the present moment.

"was not defined" vs "has not been defined"

was not defined

has not been defined

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