# exploratory

/ɪksˈpɫɔɹəˌtɔɹi/ (US) · /ɛksplˈɔːɹətəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exploratory
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

done to find out more about something or to discover new things. You use this when you are just starting to look into a topic and don't have all the answers yet.

For teachers: relating to or involving investigation or discovery. Often describes initial actions taken to gather information before a final decision is made.

## Examples

- The doctors are performing some exploratory tests today.
- The company launched an exploratory mission to determine if the new market was worth a full investment.
- While the initial results were inconclusive, the exploratory phase of the research provided enough data to justify a more rigorous, long-term study into the phenomenon.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with nouns like 'surgery', 'talks', or 'research'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.