Incompletely

Incompletely is an adverb used to describe something that is not finished, not fully performed, understood, or realized. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or participles, as in incompletely described, incompletely understood, or incompletely implemented. The term is common in technical writing as well as everyday speech when a degree of partialness or uncertainty is being conveyed.

Etymology and form: incompletely is formed from the prefix in- (not) plus complete, with the adverbial suffix -ly. The word functions as the adverbial form of incomplete, aligning with other adverbs that indicate degree or extent. It contrasts with completely or fully, and is often discussed in relation to partially, which likewise indicates partial degree but without the same emphasis on completeness or wholeness.

Usage and nuance: incompletely often suggests that essential elements are missing or that a state falls short of a full or adequate condition. It can imply incompleteness due to lack of detail, data, or execution, rather than mere partial coverage. In scientific and analytical writing, it is used to qualify results, methods, or models, e.g., “the data were incompletely collected,” or “the theory remains incompletely tested.” In everyday language, speakers may prefer not fully or partially depending on nuance; incompletely tends to carry a slightly stronger sense of deficiency or unfinished status.

See also: incomplete, partially, incompleteness, fully.