Unspecific

Unspecific is an adjective used to describe something that lacks specificity, precision, or clear delineation. It can refer to information, descriptions, or instructions that are broad, general, or not tied to a particular instance. In everyday language, unspecific serves as the opposite of specific, indicating that more detail is needed.

Unspecific is often contrasted with unspecified and non-specific. Unspecified refers to information or data that has not been stated or identified, such as an unspecified date. Non-specific (often written with a hyphen or as one word) describes effects, actions, or characteristics that are not targeted to a single item or outcome; in medicine the term non-specific is common for certain symptoms or responses. Unspecific tends to describe quality or nature rather than the absence of a stated value.

Examples: "The research criteria are unspecific, which may produce heterogeneity in results." "The symptoms are unspecific and require further testing to determine a diagnosis."

Etymology and usage notes: From un- 'not' + specific, ultimately from Latin specificus. The term has appeared in English for centuries but is less common in modern formal writing than unspecified or non-specific. When the intent is simply that detail is missing, unspecified is often preferred; when describing a lack of targeting or precision without stating missing data, non-specific is common. Unspecific remains acceptable in some general or historical texts.