# specification

/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /spˌɛsɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/specification
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. technical requirements

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a detailed list of instructions or requirements that describe how to build or design something.

For teachers: an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service, often serving as a formal technical document.

- The architect sent the final specification for the new house to the builders.
- The engineering team spent months refining the technical specification to ensure the bridge could withstand extreme weather conditions.

Usage: Often used in the plural form 'specifications' or the shortened informal 'specs'.

### 2. the act of being specific

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

the act of naming or describing something very clearly and exactly.

For teachers: the act of identifying or naming something with precision and detail.

- The contract requires the specification of every material used in the project.
- The legal framework demands the clear specification of duties for each party involved in the merger.

Usage: Usually functions as an uncountable noun in this abstract sense.

## Examples

- The architect sent the final specification for the new house.
- The engineering team had to update the technical specification to include the new safety standards required by the government.
- Before the manufacturing process begins, every component must be checked against the original specification to ensure total compliance with the client's rigorous quality standards.

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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.