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
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.
Alongside individual savers, organizations including Morningstar and the CFP Board submitted detailed critiques.
From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026
A previously unpublished report has detailed serious concerns about workload, staffing and culture within Nottingham's troubled maternity services.
From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026
The project offers the most detailed global view yet of Earth's fungal infrastructure.
From Science Daily • Jun. 15, 2026
I understand that I need a more detailed analysis than you can give, but knowing what to ask when I meet with someone would be helpful.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026
And then she asks for a detailed update.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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.
