nonprescriptive

Nonprescriptive is an adjective used to describe approaches, rules, or guidance that do not attempt to dictate exact procedures or norms. It emphasizes flexibility, adaptation, and description rather than enforcement of specific prescriptions.

In linguistics, nonprescriptive or descriptive approaches document how language is actually used in real speech and writing, without judging it by established grammars or style rules. It contrasts with prescriptive grammar, which prescribes preferred forms and norms.

In policy, education, and design, nonprescriptive methods provide open-ended guidelines, goals, or constraints that individuals or organizations adapt to their contexts. The intent is to empower choice and responsiveness while maintaining a common framework.

Examples include descriptive grammars, software development guidelines that specify outcomes rather than steps, and safety guidelines that outline risks without mandating exact procedures.

Critics argue that nonprescriptive approaches can lead to ambiguity or inconsistent results if not paired with clear objectives or accountability, particularly in safety-critical or highly regulated domains.

The term is used across disciplines, and its precise meaning depends on context, but it generally signals a preference for describing or guiding rather than enforcing rules.