'imprecision' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imprecisio,' where 'im-' meant 'not' and 'precisio' meant 'cutting off or exactness.'

'imprecisio' transformed into the French word 'imprécision,' and eventually became the modern English word 'imprecision' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not exact or precise,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.