specification
gb/spˌɛsɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/spˌɛsɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
B2
English
~ 3900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
Detailed statement of requirements
A clear and exact list or description of what something must be or do.
Usage pattern:
a specification for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'specification' with 'speculation'. The former is about exact details; the latter is about guessing.
Synonyms
requirement (A broader term that can refer to any needed condition, not necessarily in technical detail.)
|
criteria (Refers to standards or principles for judging, not always as precise as 'specification'.)
Antonyms
approximation (An estimate or guess that lacks the precision of a specification.)
Collocations
meet the specifications
|technical specifications
|design specifications
|within specifications
Themes
business
|technology
|manufacturing
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The builder followed the architect's specifications exactly.
- The new phone meets the military's durability specifications.
- Please check if the product is within specifications before shipping.
- The engineer reviewed the technical specifications carefully.
Learner examples
- The car was built to the customer's specifications.
- We read the specifications before making the machine.
- The table does not match the specifications.
- Please follow the specifications when you make it.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Official technical document
A formal paper that gives all the important technical information about something.
Usage pattern:
the specification of [product/process]
Synonyms
datasheet (A document giving data about a product, often in table form; may be less comprehensive than a full specification.)
Antonyms
informal description (A casual explanation without precise technical detail.)
Collocations
product specification
|software specification
|specification sheet
Themes
technology
|engineering
|business
|work
Examples
- The company released the full specification of the new software.
- You can find the product specification on the manufacturer's website.
- The machine's specification sheet lists its power consumption and size.
Learner examples
- I read the specification of the phone online.
- The computer's specification shows it is very fast.
- The shop gave me a specification sheet for the TV.
Grammar
Dictionary form
specification
IPA
GB/spˌɛsɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/spˌɛsɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
spe - cific - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (tion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: specification
- Plural: specification, specifications
Word family
Forms
specifications
noun
Core family
Related words
specificity
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unspecified
adjective
nonspecific
adjective
Advanced or less common
specifier
noun
Expressions
meet the specifications
1/mˈit ðə spˌɛsəfɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
Satisfy stated requirements
To be exactly as described in the requirements or rules.
Examples
- All parts must meet the specifications before assembly.
- The design did not meet the client's specifications.
within specifications
1/wɪðˈɪn spˌɛsəfɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
technical
Matching set standards or limits
Not going over or under the limits given in the requirements.
Examples
- The temperature remained within specifications during testing.
- The product is still within specifications after three years of use.