underspecified
Lacking full detail
Underspecified describes something that lacks sufficient detail or precision to be fully determined or implemented.
In linguistics and computer science, an underspecified representation leaves certain features or values unresolved, to be filled in by context or later processing.
More generally, if instructions or requirements are underspecified, they're too vague to follow reliably: The client's brief was so underspecified that we had to guess at half the requirements.
Unclear, ill-defined
- unclearNot easily understood
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
- indefiniteNot precisely determined
- nebulousUnclear and formless
fuzzy · hazy · murky · indeterminate · nonspecific · general · abstract · broad
Favoring one side
- fragmentaryConsisting of incomplete parts
- insufficientBelow required quantity
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- lackingBeing without something
missing · gaps · incomplete · rudimentary · skeletal · underdeveloped · bare-bones · sparse
Awaiting resolution or decision
- undecidedNot having chosen
- unsettledNot yet resolved
- openNot closed
- unansweredLacking any response
undetermined · uncertain · unconfirmed · tentative · provisional · TBD · awaiting · deferred
Necessary conditions for something
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- constraintsLimits on action
- criteriaStandards for judgment
- definitionStatement of meaning
scope · variables · inputs · conditions · documentation · assumptions · API · interface
vague
Unclear, ill-defined
- unclearNot easily understood
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
- indefiniteNot precisely determined
nebulous · fuzzy · hazy · murky · indeterminate · nonspecific · general · abstract · broad · open-ended
partial
Favoring one side
- fragmentaryConsisting of incomplete parts
- insufficientBelow required quantity
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
lacking · missing · gaps · incomplete · rudimentary · skeletal · underdeveloped · bare-bones · sparse · thin
pending
Awaiting resolution or decision
unanswered · undetermined · uncertain · unconfirmed · tentative · provisional · TBD · awaiting · deferred · unaddressed
requirements
Necessary conditions for something
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- constraintsLimits on action
- criteriaStandards for judgment
definition · scope · variables · inputs · conditions · documentation · assumptions · API · interface · protocol
underspecifiedoverspecified
Given excessive defining details
fleshed out · overdetermined · specified · detailed · elaborate
underspecifiedprecise
Exactly correct, no error
explicit · definite · unambiguous · determinate · exact
under, specify, specified, specifies, specifying, specification, specifications, specific, specifically