spec

spec — noun

1. a short, informal way of saying 'specification' — a written document or list tha

1.nounB2
Definition

a short, informal way of saying 'specification' — a written document or list that states exactly what features, materials, or qualities a product, machine, or building must have.

Example

Sora checked the laptop's specs before buying it for his graphic design projects.

check the specs of [product]

The architect sent the full spec of the new office building to the construction team.

Common collocations
  • meet the specs
  • check the specs
  • technical specs
  • spec sheet
  • spec document
  • full spec
  • according to spec
Synonyms
  • specification

    the full, formal term; 'spec' is an informal shortening

  • requirements

    broader — can include non-technical needs

  • parameters

    focuses on limits and boundaries rather than features

Grammar Patterns

the specs of [product]

check the specs for [device]

Usage Note

Often used in the plural form 'specs' when referring to the technical features of a product. Common in technology, engineering, and construction contexts.

Common Mistakes

I need to check the specific of the car.
I need to check the specs of the car.
'spec' is countable and 'specs' is the usual plural form for product features.
The design must follow the specification.' (when meaning a brief spec)
The design must follow the spec.
'spec' is the informal equivalent of 'specification'.

2. doing something without arranging it in advance, hoping that luck brings what yo

2.nounB2
Definition

doing something without arranging it in advance, hoping that luck brings what you want.

Example

James sent his portfolio to several publishers on spec, hoping for a book deal.

on spec [verb]

Ife walked into the hotel on spec and asked if any rooms were free.

Common collocations
  • on spec
  • send something on spec
  • submit on spec
  • show up on spec
Synonyms
Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

on spec [verb]

Usage Note

Always appears in the fixed expression 'on spec'. The phrase is used both adverbially ('send it on spec') and as a modifier after nouns ('a submission done on spec').

Common Mistakes

I bought the car on spec of getting a good price.
I made an offer on the car on spec.
'on spec' is a set phrase with no following preposition; it simply means 'without arranging in advance'.
Idioms

on spec

idiom

Doing something without planning it first, hoping for a good result.

Maya sent her resume to several companies on spec.

Did Diego really show up at the audition on spec?

spec — verb

spec — adjective

spec — abbreviation

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe the needed details of a product or project, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Spec' (or 'specs') is the informal, everyday choice — you check the specs of a phone before buying it. 'Specification' is the full formal term and is used in official contracts and engineering documents: 'The technical specification was approved by the client.' 'Requirements' is broader and can include non-technical needs like budget and timeline: 'The project requirements include a two-month delivery window.' 'Parameters' focuses on limits and boundaries rather than features: 'The design must stay within the given size parameters.' 'Criteria' refers to the standards used for judging or evaluating: 'The selection criteria include durability and cost.' In everyday conversation, 'specs' is the most natural when talking about product features; the other terms are more appropriate in formal planning documents.

specification ↗requirementsparameterscriteria

Common collocations

Nouns

  • spec sheet
  • spec document
  • spec list
  • build spec
  • system spec

Adverbs

  • well-specced
  • fully specced
  • originally specced

Phrases

  • meet the specs
  • match the specs
  • exceed the specs
  • fall short of the specs
  • within spec
  • out of spec

Prepositions

  • to spec
  • on spec
  • per spec
  • according to spec

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Spec' is a shortened form of the noun 'specification', which entered English in the early 1600s from Latin 'specificatio' — meaning 'a detailed description'. The informal abbreviation 'spec' appeared in engineering and manufacturing contexts in the mid-20th century. The phrase 'on spec' (taking a chance) comes from 'on speculation', dating back to the late 1800s, referring to business deals done without a guaranteed buyer. The adjective sense (a 'spec house') originates from 'speculative building' — constructing a building before finding a buyer, which became common in the housing booms of the 20th century.