English Reference
Adjective

unspecified

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ənˈspɛsəˌfaɪd/ UK /ʌnspˈɛsɪfˌaɪd/ un·spec·i·fied

adj.not stated clearly or exactly. You use this when someone does not give specific details like a name, a date, or an amount.

adj.not stated or described in a precise or explicit manner. Often used to describe details that are withheld for privacy or because they are not yet determined.


SIMPLE

The meeting will happen at an unspecified time next week.

CONTEXTUAL

The company received an unspecified amount of funding from a private investor to expand its operations.

COMPLEX

The contract allows for the termination of services under unspecified circumstances, which has caused significant concern among the legal team regarding potential liability.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often implies that the information is intentionally withheld or unknown.

The Sydney Swans confirmed an incident involving an unspecified number of players had occurred in the hours after the team's win at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026

Newell’s Old Boys announced the death in a social media post that said he had undergone treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness.

The Guardian· 8 Aug 2026

From un- + specified.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated