Specifications

/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/

nounmedium🔥Very CommonInformation
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

A detailed and precise description of something, especially a product or service, outlining requirements, dimensions, materials, and performance characteristics.

/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/

nounneutralmedium
Information

A detailed description or plan.

The construction team followed the building specifications precisely.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're ordering a custom-made cake. The specifications are like the detailed instructions you give the baker: the size, flavors, decorations, and how it should look. It's all the details that make the cake just how you want it!

👶 For kids: Specifications are like the rules for a project. They tell you exactly how to build or make something!

More Examples

2

The product specifications were clearly outlined in the contract.

3

We need to review the specifications to ensure they meet the required standards.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The engineer reviewed the detailed specifications for the new bridge."

Software Development

"The software team finalized the specifications for the next update."

Business

"Clients must approve the specifications before production begins."

Idioms & expressions

Meet specifications

To satisfy the requirements or details outlined in a set of specifications.

"The product successfully met all the specifications."

Technical specifications

Detailed specifications relating to the technical aspects of a product or system.

"The document contained the technical specifications of the new server."

From Late Latin specificatio, from specificare ('to specify'), from species ('a particular kind').

The term has been used since the early 19th century, originally referring to detailed descriptions of manufactured goods or processes.

Memory tip

Think of the SPECIFICATIONS as a detailed plan for a project.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to make specific, to define"

product specificationstechnical specificationsbuilding specificationsmeet specificationsspecifications document

Common misspellings

specificationssspecefactionsspecefications

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written