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Planning & Processnoun · /ˌspesɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

specification

In simple English

In tech companies, specifications (often called 'specs') are formal documents or descriptions that outline exactly what needs to be built. They detail features, functionality, performance requirements, and constraints. Specifications bridge the gap between business ideas and technical implementation—they tell developers what to build and testers what to verify. Specifications are used throughout the software development lifecycle. Product managers write specifications based on user needs, developers read them to understand requirements, and QA teams use them to create test cases. They can be high-level (covering overall product vision) or very detailed (covering individual API endpoints or database schemas). Good specifications prevent misunderstandings and rework. You will hear 'specs' used informally in meetings and conversations, while 'specification document' or 'functional specification' may appear in more formal contexts. The term is critical in planning meetings, code reviews, and when discussing scope or requirements.

What does specification mean in software development, and how is it used in tech teams?

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility5/5
FormalityCasualFormalFormal
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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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.

Real examples

in a standup

"We started implementing the login feature based on the specification from last week."

in a code review

"This implementation does not 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."

Don't say this

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.

✕I will specification this feature tomorrow.
✓I will write the specification for this feature tomorrow.— Specification is a noun, not a verb. Use 'write' or 'document' as the verb.
✕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

noun (singular)

specification

"The specification defines the expected behavior of the system."

noun (plural)

specifications

"We reviewed the technical specifications before starting development."

noun (adjective modifier)

specification document

"Please review the specification document and provide feedback by Friday."

Often used with

technical specificationUsed when talking about detailed technical requirements, often for engineers.
functional specificationUsed when describing what a feature should do from a user perspective.
API specificationUsed specifically for documentation of how an API should work.
meet the specificationTo fulfill or satisfy the requirements outlined in a specification.
within specificationAcceptable and matching the defined requirements.
spec documentInformal shorthand for 'specification document'.
detailed specificationA comprehensive specification with granular requirements.

Similar words

requirementMore general term; specification is more detailed and formal.
specInformal abbreviation for specification; used in casual conversations.
documentationBroader term; specification is a specific type of documentation.
standardStandard is a benchmark; specification is instructions for this specific project.

Opposites

vagueunclear

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. You are explaining what the team needs to do. Which sounds most natural?

Complete the sentence

2. The QA team found a bug that is outside the _______ of the current _______ document.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses 'specification' incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite using 'specification': 'The product manager told us exactly what features we need to build, and it is written down in a document.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "specification" in a standup this week?

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