validated

Validated is the past participle of validate and an adjective meaning proven correct, legitimate, or acceptable according to established evidence, criteria, or standards. In general use, a validated claim or result has been examined and supported; in technical contexts, validation is the process of confirming that something fulfills its intended purpose and complies with relevant requirements.

Across data handling and software development, validation emphasizes meeting real-world needs and constraints. Data validation enforces value ranges, formats, and consistency; input validation guards against errors. Software validation assesses whether a product delivers its intended outcomes for users. It is often distinguished from verification, which asks whether the product was built correctly.

In science and research, validation covers instruments, models, and methods. Instrument validation tests accuracy, precision, and reliability; external validation compares results to independent data. Model validation assesses predictive performance and generalizability. Validated methods are subjected to reproducibility checks and peer review to support claims of validity.

In regulated industries, validation follows a formal lifecycle. Process validation confirms that manufacturing steps yield consistent outputs; qualification stages such as installation, operational, and performance qualification document compliance. Ongoing validation and revalidation ensure continued conformance when materials, equipment, or processes change, aligning practice with quality standards and regulatory expectations.