specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

ˌspes-fə-

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something

—usually used in plural

b

: a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms)

also : a single item of such statement

c

: a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

Examples of specification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly half of companies (45%) withdrew degree requirements from some of their job specifications this year, per an Intelligent.com survey of 800 U.S. employers, while 55% already eliminated bachelor's degree requirements in 2023. —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

The plaintiffs are now required to provide pricing and specifications for the units by Tuesday. —Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

One is a new technical specification called Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) that will make passkeys portable between digital ecosystems, a feature that users have increasingly demanded. —Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2024

Schmitz advises districts to provide clear specifications within each school about what is allowed, what is not allowed, and to clearly define what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools in academic work. —Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a description of work to be done or materials to be used

—usually used in plural

the architect's specifications for a new building

b

: a single specified item

Legal Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something: as

a

: a written statement containing a description of particulars (as of charges or contract terms)

b

: a written description of an invention or discovery for which a patent is sought that embodies the manner and process of making and using the invention or discovery and concludes with a claim of that aspect for which the applicant demands credit

c

: a written description of construction work to be done forming part of the contract

—usually used in pl.