What is the term used to describe a word, concept, or distinction that has borderline cases?

Question:

What is the term used to describe a word, concept, or distinction that has borderline cases where it is unclear whether the word/concept/distinction applies?

1) Borderline term 2) Unclear term 3) Vague term 4) Ambiguous term

Answer:

A 'vague term' option 3, is a word or concept that has borderline cases, making it unclear whether the term applies or not. These are often subjective and dependent on an individual's judgment.

Explanation:

The term used to describe a word, concept, or distinction that has borderline cases where it is unclear whether the word/concept/distinction applies is named a vague term. Option 3. These terms typically possess gray areas where their applicability becomes ambiguous. Often, their interpretation boils down to an individual's subjective judgment. For example, the term 'tall' might apply differently based on the context or individual perception. What is considered 'tall' in one context may not be in another, thus making 'tall' a vague term. However, it is important to note that the utility of vague terms is not diminished by their lack of precision. They are crucial in daily communication and even in academic and professional fields where an exhaustive or precise definition isn't necessary.