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
- detailedly adverb
- detailedness noun
- nondetailed adjective
- overdetailed adjective
- undetailed adjective
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.
Under the ethics agreement detailed in the Ethics in Government Act, those arrangements would end and all outstanding fees would be fixed before he joins the Fed.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
The site attracts a mix of visitors, from families seeking a sense of adventure to enthusiasts drawn by its detailed references to science fiction, including a Tardis-style bathroom and optional costumes inspired by popular franchises.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
"We can study animals living natural lives, with natural diets and gut bacteria, while still being able to collect detailed data from known individuals."
From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026
Despite reportedly running 400,000 simulations a day based on Clinton’s race against Donald Trump, and churning out detailed reports on how to reach voters, Ada and the former secretary of state’s campaign were ultimately unsuccessful.
From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026
Some had very intricate and detailed geometrical shapes.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
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.
