detailed
Americanadjective
-
having many details.
a detailed problem.
- Synonyms:
- complicated, complex, involved
-
thorough in the treatment of details; minute.
a detailed report.
- Synonyms:
- comprehensive, thorough, exhaustive
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of detailed
Explanation
Use the adjective detailed when you're talking about something that's full of specific points or facts. A detailed weather report includes temperature, cloud cover, and the possibility of rain. Something that's detailed is focused on the fine points or small aspects — a detailed portrait of your grandmother includes every wisp of hair and subtle shade of skin. Detailed explanations take some time, because the person doing the explaining isn't leaving any detail out. The literal Old French meaning of the noun detail is "a cutting in pieces," and it's used to mean "small piece or quantity."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The company detailed those cuts on Tuesday, saying they would cost it between $30 million and $35 million in severance, termination benefits and retention costs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
For his doctoral research, LaSala worked with professor Temuulen "Teki" Sankey, an expert in remote sensing, to create detailed maps of several cave systems.
From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026
Travolta’s directorial language is lovingly detailed, and his penchant for picturesque detail creates a leisurely atmosphere, like getting lost wandering around a happy memory.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
A financial planner will be able to put together a detailed plan based on your lifestyle.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
Bit by bit, the map of the brain grows more detailed and more localized.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
