documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-,

-kyü-

1

: the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents

2

a

: the provision of documents in substantiation

also : documentary evidence

b(1)

: the use of historical documents

(2)

: conformity to historical or objective facts

(3)

: the provision of footnotes, appendices, or addenda referring to or containing documentary evidence

3

: information science

4

: the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware

documentational

ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌmen-

-kyü-

adjective

Synonyms

• attestation
• confirmation
• corroboration
• evidence
• proof
• substantiation
• testament
• testimonial
• testimony
• validation
• voucher
• witness

Examples of documentation in a Sentence

You cannot visit the country unless you have the proper documentation.

Keep your receipts as documentation of your purchases.

Can you provide documentation of the claims you're making?

The program's documentation is poorly written.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, employers may overlook state-specific requirements or additional documentation that could be necessary for the FICA tip credit claim. —Jessica Ledingham, J.d., Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

By streamlining access to essential knowledge and simplifying documentation processes, its flagship products, Bolo AI Answer and Bolo AI Writes, unlock new levels of efficiency, allowing teams to focus on solving complex challenges and driving operational excellence. Music. —Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

While no documentation was presented, the claim served to amplify the department’s controversial mandate. —Nik Popli, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025

Those include background vetting, training and vehicle inspections, as well as additional documentation for trips over 25 miles. —Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the providing of documents as proof

2

: evidence in the form of documents

3

: written instructions for using a computer or computer program