Blunt

Meaning

Not sharp or precise (adjective); to weaken the force or effectiveness of something (verb)

Origin / Etymology

Middle English, of uncertain origin; possibly from Old Norse blundra (to shut the eyes)

Synonyms

Crude Imprecise Dull Weaken (verb)

Antonyms

Sharp Precise Targeted Sharpen (verb)

Example Sentence

"Monetary policy is a blunt instrument against an oil-supply shock, since raising interest rates curbs demand but cannot increase the supply of oil."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Frequent in GS3 economics answers. Describe a policy tool as a blunt instrument when it acts broadly and imprecisely on a problem that needs a targeted response, for example, interest rates against supply-side inflation. As a verb, use it for measures that blunt the impact of a shock.

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