Say it like this
- The launch date is still TBD.
- Owner: TBD, we'll assign it in planning.
- Location TBD, probably the big meeting room.
Use it at work
Writing a plan
- Release date: TBD.
- Owner: TBD, to be assigned in planning.
Explaining it
- It's still TBD, we're waiting on legal.
- That's TBD until the budget is approved.
Making it actionable
- Date TBD, we'll decide at Friday's review.
- TBD, I'll own getting an answer by Tuesday.
Don't say this
"TBD" already includes "later".
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | not decided yet | everyone | open decisions |
| TBC | likely, needs confirming | UK and global teams | a tentative answer |
| TBA | decided, will be announced | events, launches | details not shared yet |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team hasn't chosen a launch date. What do you write in the plan?
2. The owner for this ticket is still _______; we'll assign it on Monday.
3. Which sentence uses TBD correctly?
4. Rewrite using TBD: 'We have not decided who will lead the project. We will decide next week.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"The launch date is still TBD."
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More about TBD
Real examples(3)
- in a project plan
"Phase 2 start date: TBD, pending budget approval."
- in a ticket
"Assignee is TBD until we finish sprint planning."
- in a meeting invite
"Agenda TBD; I'll share it by Wednesday."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. A TBD with no owner or date can look like a forgotten task. Add "decision by..." when you can.
- ✕Release: TBD (for weeks, with no plan)✓Release: TBD, decision after the 12 May review.
A TBD with no next step looks like nobody owns it. Say when it will be decided.
- ✕TBD (when you already know but need confirmation)✓TBC
Use TBC (to be confirmed) when you have a likely answer that still needs checking.
Other forms(3)
- to be decided / to be determined full form
"The final price is to be determined."
- TBC (to be confirmed) related
"Venue: Hotel Riva (TBC)."
- TBA (to be announced) related
"Speakers TBA."
Often used with(3)
- still TBD · not decided yet
- date TBD · the date is not set
- TBD pending X · the decision depends on something
Similar words(3)
- not decided yet · plain English
- open question · common in planning docs
- pending · waiting for a decision or approval
Opposites(3)
- confirmed
- decided
- locked in
Questions(4)
- What is the full form of TBD?
- TBD stands for "to be decided" or "to be determined".
- What is the difference between TBD, TBC and TBA?
- TBD: not decided yet. TBC: probably decided, needs confirming. TBA: decided, will be announced later.
- Is TBD professional?
- Yes, it is standard in plans, tickets and invites. Add when it will be decided to make it more useful.
- How do you say TBD out loud?
- Say the letters "tee-bee-dee", or say "still to be decided".
