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underspecified

  • a word derived from specify.
    specify
    verb (used with object)
    to mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail.

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.

See Examples For:

Its empirics are weak External link, its theory underspecified External link, and its narrative overwrought.

From Barron's ● Mar. 2, 2026

“RL finds one way to run fast, but given an underspecified reward function, it has no reason to prefer a gait that is ‘natural-looking’ or preferred by humans,” Margolis tells The Verge over email.

From The Verge ● Mar. 17, 2022

If the system integration among the contractors’ pieces and the government systems and the insurance companies has been underspecified, a lot of that will need to be worked out in a hurry.

From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2013

As fictional characters go, Reacher is a little underspecified, which makes readers feel so proprietary about him: in our own heads, we help create the character.

From New York Times ● Dec. 7, 2012