spec

n. a short word for 'specification' — the exact details or measurements of a product.

n. a clipping of 'specification', referring to the detailed description of the design, materials, and dimensions of an object or system.

“The new laptop has a very high spec, so it is great for gaming.”

“The lead engineer reviewed the technical spec to ensure the hardware components were compatible with the updated software requirements.”

Informal · Technical

n. doing something without being asked, hoping it will be successful or profitable later.

n. a clipping of 'speculation', almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'on spec' to describe work done without a contract in the hope of a future sale.

“He wrote the article on spec and sent it to several magazines.”

“The architect designed the residential complex on spec, betting that the revitalised waterfront would attract wealthy buyers before construction even finished.”

Informal

v. to write down the exact details or requirements for a project.

v. to create a formal specification for a project or product; to define technical requirements.

“We need to spec the project before we can give you a price.”

“The client failed to spec the database requirements clearly, leading to significant delays during the development phase.”

Informal · Technical

adj. describes something built or done in the hope of selling it later, rather than for a specific customer.

adj. a clipping of 'speculative', typically modifying nouns like 'house' or 'build' to indicate a project undertaken without a committed buyer.

“The developer is building several spec houses in the new suburb.”

“The sudden economic downturn left the firm with a portfolio of spec builds that no one could afford to purchase.”

Informal