nonfinal

Nonfinal is an adjective meaning not final; it describes states, documents, or outcomes that have not reached their ultimate, conclusive, or terminal condition. The term is used across several fields without a single universal definition, with meaning shaped by context.

The term is used across several fields without a single universal definition, with meaning shaped by context.

In law, a nonfinal or interlocutory order or ruling resolves some issues in a case but does not bring the action to a close. Such orders may be subject to later review or appeal, depending on jurisdiction. In common practice, nonfinal rulings leave ongoing decisions to be resolved by further proceedings.

In law, a nonfinal or interlocutory order or ruling resolves some issues in a case but does not bring the action to a close. Such orders may be subject to later review or appeal, depending on jurisdiction. In common practice, nonfinal rulings leave ongoing decisions to be resolved by further proceedings.

In computer science, nonfinal states are states in a finite automaton or state machine that are not accepting or final states. A machine may transition through nonfinal states before reaching a final, accepting state, often used in parsing and lexical analysis.

In software development and production, nonfinal versions, builds, or releases are interim iterations not intended as final products. They are typically used for testing, feedback, or demonstration purposes, with final releases following after revisions.

In philosophy, discussions of teleology sometimes distinguish final causes from nonfinal factors; nonfinal considerations are those not characterized by an ultimate purpose, though this usage is less common outside specific scholarly contexts.

The term is often interchangeable with provisional, interim, or pending, depending on the field. The precise implications of “nonfinal” are determined by the rules and practices of the relevant discipline.