Unspecified: meaning, definitions and examples

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unspecified

 

[ ʌnˈspɛsɪfaɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

description

Not clearly or exactly identified or stated.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indeterminate, uncertain, undefined, vague.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unspecified

Use when something is mentioned without detailed information or exact details.

  • The start date of the project is unspecified.
  • He left for an unspecified destination.
undefined

Use when something lacks a clear definition, structure, or explanation.

  • The rules for the competition are still undefined.
  • His role in the project remains undefined.
uncertain

Use when there is doubt or a lack of confidence about something.

  • We are uncertain about the future of the company.
  • The outcome of the game is still uncertain.
indeterminate

Indicates when something is not clearly defined, fixed, or unlimited in extent. Often used in formal contexts.

  • The results of the study were indeterminate.
  • The length of the meeting is indeterminate.
vague

Use when something is not clearly expressed, lacking in detail or precision. Often has a negative connotation.

  • Her directions were so vague that we got lost.
  • The terms of the agreement are vague.
ambiguous

Use when something can be understood in more than one way or is open to multiple interpretations.

  • The contract contains ambiguous terms.
  • His answer was ambiguous, leaving everyone confused.

Examples of usage

  • It is not clear what will happen to the unspecified number of employees affected by the decision.
  • The document referred to unspecified individuals who had been involved in the project.
Context #2 | Adjective

quantity

Not fixed, determined, or identified.

Synonyms

indefinite, undetermined, unfixed, unknown.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unspecified

Used when something is not clearly defined or mentioned in detail.

  • The meeting will be held at an unspecified location.
  • She gave a vague, unspecified answer.
undetermined

Used when the result, outcome, or specific nature of something is not yet decided or established.

  • The cause of the problem is still undetermined.
  • They are conducting tests with undetermined results.
unfixed

Used when something does not have a set position, place, or state; can sometimes imply instability.

  • The date for the project launch is still unfixed.
  • Her plans are unfixed and can change at any moment.
unknown

Used when something or someone is not known or identified; often implies a level of mystery or uncertainty.

  • The author of the letter remains unknown.
  • They are trying to discover an unknown species.
indefinite

Used when something is not fixed in terms of duration or detail; sometimes implies a lack of resolution.

  • They have postponed the event for an indefinite period.
  • He gave an indefinite response to the question.

Examples of usage

  • The project has an unspecified budget, which may cause some concerns.
  • She received an unspecified amount of money as compensation for her work.

Translations

Translations of the word "unspecified" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não especificado

🇮🇳 अनिर्दिष्ट

🇩🇪 unspezifiziert

🇮🇩 tidak ditentukan

🇺🇦 невизначений

🇵🇱 niesprecyzowany

🇯🇵 特定されていない

🇫🇷 non spécifié

🇪🇸 no especificado

🇹🇷 belirtilmemiş

🇰🇷 미지정

🇸🇦 غير محدد

🇨🇿 nespecifikovaný

🇸🇰 nešpecifikovaný

🇨🇳 未指定

🇸🇮 nespecifikovano

🇮🇸 ótilgreint

🇰🇿 анықталмаған

🇬🇪 განსაზღვრელი

🇦🇿 müəyyən edilməmiş

🇲🇽 no especificado

Etymology

The word 'unspecified' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'specified', which comes from the Latin word 'specere' meaning 'to look at'. The term has been used in English language since the 17th century to indicate something that has not been clearly identified or stated.

See also: specifiable, specification, specifications, specified, specifier.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,519, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.