Say it like this
- According to the specification, the API should return JSON.
- We need to meet the performance specifications before launch.
- The specification document outlines all the requirements.
Use it at work
Building
- Let's write a specification before we start.
- The spec says the field is required.
Reviewing
- The specification doesn't cover errors.
- Can you update the spec with the new flow?
Clients
- Does this meet your specification?
- We built it to the specification you sent.
Don't say this
Specification is a noun, not a verb. Use 'write' or 'document' as the verb.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| specification | Detailed description of what to build | Engineers, product | Before building |
| requirements | What the product must do | Product | Earlier, higher level |
| design doc | How it will be built | Engineers | Before building |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You are explaining what the team needs to do. Which sounds most natural?
2. The QA team found a bug that is outside the _______ of the current _______ document.
3. Which sentence uses 'specification' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite using 'specification': 'The product manager told us exactly what features we need to build, and it is written down in a document.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"According to the specification, the API should return JSON."
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More about specification
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We started implementing the login feature based on the specification from last week."
- in a code review
"This implementation doesn't match the specification—the error message should be more descriptive."
- in a team meeting
"Before we start development, we need to finalize the technical specifications for the mobile app."
More mistakes(3)
Handle with care. Avoid using 'specification' as a verb (e.g., 'I will specification this'). It is primarily a noun. Do not confuse with 'specification document' which is a single document containing specifications.
- ✕The specification are very clear.✓The specification is very clear.
Specification is singular and takes a singular verb. Use 'is' not 'are'.
- ✕We discussed about the specification.✓We discussed the specification.
Use 'discuss' without 'about' in formal tech English.
- ✕Can you send me the specification of the database?✓Can you send me the database specification?
In tech English, 'database specification' is more natural than 'specification of the database'.
Other forms(3)
- specification noun (singular)
"The specification defines the expected behavior of the system."
- specifications noun (plural)
"We reviewed the technical specifications before starting development."
- specification document noun (adjective modifier)
"Please review the specification document and provide feedback by Friday."
Often used with(7)
- technical specification · Used when talking about detailed technical requirements, often for engineers.
- functional specification · Used when describing what a feature should do from a user perspective.
- API specification · Used specifically for documentation of how an API should work.
- meet the specification · To fulfill or satisfy the requirements outlined in a specification.
- within specification · Acceptable and matching the defined requirements.
- spec document · Informal shorthand for 'specification document'.
- detailed specification · A comprehensive specification with granular requirements.
Similar words(4)
- requirement · More general term; specification is more detailed and formal.
- spec · Informal abbreviation for specification; used in casual conversations.
- documentation · Broader term; specification is a specific type of documentation.
- standard · Standard is a benchmark; specification is instructions for this specific project.
Opposites(2)
- vague
- unclear
Questions(5)
- What does specification mean in software engineering?
- A specification is a detailed written description of what a product, feature, or system should do and how it should work. It includes functional requirements, technical details, performance standards, and constraints. Specifications guide developers, testers, and other team members through the building and testing process.
- How do you use specification in a sentence at work?
- You can use it in sentences like: 'We need to finalize the specification before coding starts,' 'The bug is outside the scope of this specification,' or 'Does this implementation match the specification?' In casual conversations, you might hear 'Check the specs for more details.'
- Is specification formal or informal?
- The word 'specification' itself is formal and professional. The abbreviation 'spec' or 'specs' is more casual and common in everyday team conversations. Both are used in tech workplaces depending on context—use 'specification' in formal documents and meetings, and 'spec' in quick chat messages or casual standups.
- What is the difference between specification and requirement?
- A requirement is what needs to be done (a goal or need), while a specification is the detailed description of how to do it. Specifications are more detailed, formal, and technical than requirements. For example, a requirement might be 'Users must be able to reset their password,' while a specification details the exact steps, validation rules, and error messages.
- Why are specifications important in tech teams?
- Specifications prevent misunderstandings between product managers, developers, and testers. They create a shared understanding of what should be built, reduce rework caused by unclear requirements, serve as reference during development and testing, and help track scope creep. Good specifications save time and reduce bugs.
