Incomplete - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sentence completion

Not having all the necessary parts, elements, or steps; not complete.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incomplete	Describes something that is not finished or lacks some parts. Commonly used in general situations. The report is incomplete and needs more data before submission. Her project remains incomplete due to unforeseen circumstances.
unfinished	Describes something that is not finished and is often used with a sense of an ongoing process or task. The artist left the painting unfinished but plans to return to it later. She couldn't leave the table unfinished and chose to complete it over the weekend.
partial	Indicates that something is only part of a whole, often used in technical or specific contexts. We received only partial payment for the services provided. The study offers a partial solution to the problem.
uncompleted	Less common and slightly more formal, it refers to tasks or projects that are not finished. Typically used in administrative or formal contexts. The uncompleted forms need to be finished by next week. The building plans are still uncompleted.

Examples of usage

The project was left incomplete due to lack of funding.
Her homework assignment was incomplete because she forgot to answer the last question.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling incomplete can relate to psychological concepts of self-actualization, suggesting individuals may strive for wholeness.
Research indicates that incomplete tasks can create a psychological burden, known as the Zeigarnik effect, where unfinished tasks are better remembered.
People often experience anxiety or dissatisfaction when they perceive their lives or goals as incomplete, impacting overall well-being.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of incompleteness, reflecting human experiences of longing and unfulfilled desires.
In modernist literature, incomplete narratives often convey the complexity of reality and human perception.
The 'incomplete' nature of certain characters can drive plots in novels, making them more relatable and realistic.

Education

In educational contexts, incomplete assignments can lead to discussions about accountability and the learning process.
Teachers might use 'incomplete' to describe a student's work that requires further development or additional information.
The concept of 'incompleteness' is often used in curricula to encourage students to engage in critical thinking and creativity in their projects.

Art

Artists sometimes purposely leave works incomplete to evoke questions and provoke thought in viewers.
The concept of incompleteness in art can be linked to abstract expressionism, where the process is valued over the final product.
Famous incomplete works, like Leonardo da Vinci's 'Adoration of the Magi', spark interest in the creative process and artists' intentions.

Origin of 'incomplete'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'incompletus', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'completus' means 'complete'.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, signifying things that are not fully done.
In the 16th century, the term began to take on broader meanings, applying to various contexts beyond physical objects.

The word 'incomplete' originated from the Latin word 'incompletus', which means 'not complete'. The term has been used in English language since the late 14th century. It is commonly used to describe something that is lacking necessary parts or elements.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,023 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5025 methodology
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Incomplete Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations