specification

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A detailed written description of what something must be like or must do.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural: the specifications for the new bridge.

   Patterns

   • specification for something
   • meet a specification
   • draw up specifications

   The engineers wrote a detailed specification for the new bridge.

   This phone meets all the specifications required by the network.

   Please check the specifications before you buy the parts.

2. 2noununcountable

   The act of stating something clearly and exactly.

   Grammar: Uncountable; used when talking about the process of specifying, not a document.

   Patterns

   • specification of something

   The specification of the exact dates took several meetings.

   Clear specification of the problem is the first step to solving it.

Word forms

Common combinations

technical specification

The technical specification lists every material needed.

meet specifications

The finished product must meet specifications.

detailed specification

They sent a detailed specification to all suppliers.

specification for

There is a specification for each type of cable.

Synonyms and how they differ

requirement

A requirement is a single thing that is needed; a specification is a full written description of all requirements.

standard

A standard is an accepted level of quality; a specification is a precise description of what to make.

Word family

specify verb

To state something exactly.

specific adjective

Clear and exact.

specifically adverb

In a clear and exact way.

Commonly confused: specification or specification vs. specification?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “specification”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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