WordGarden.ioincompletely
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnkəmplˈiːtli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
not fully or completely
Beyond the definition
Imagine building with LEGOs but running out of pieces before you finish the castle: it is built incompletely. This word describes something that is not finished or not done fully. It often suggests that an important part is still missing. You might say a story was told incompletely if key details were left out, or that instructions were followed incompletely if some steps were skipped. It points to something being only partly done instead of fully complete.
The word "incompletely" tells us that something has not been finished, is not fully formed, or is missing important parts. It usually describes an action, process, or result that is only partly done. Think of a puzzle with several pieces missing: you can see part of the picture, but it is still incompletely shown.
You might use "incompletely" for something physical: "The renovations were incompletely finished when the owners moved in," meaning some work was still left. It is also used for less concrete things. A form can be incompletely filled out, a plan can be incompletely explained, or an idea can be incompletely understood.
Consider this: "The witness described the event incompletely." This does not mean the account was false. It means there were gaps, and some important context was missing. The word often suggests that enough is present to show part of the picture, but not enough to show the whole thing clearly. It can also point to a lack of thoroughness, such as when research is incompletely documented and important steps or findings are left out.
Unlike simply saying "not complete," using "incompletely" focuses on how something was done or how it exists in an unfinished state. It highlights that some work, meaning, or progress is there, but the whole thing is still lacking. In that way, the word draws attention both to what is present and to what still needs to be added, finished, or understood.
Examples
- 1
School forms
Several parents filled out the emergency forms incompletely, so the school asked them to update them.
- 2
Packaging
Because the package was incompletely sealed, some of the food had spilled out.
- 3
Explanation quality
The guide touches on the problem, but it explains the solution incompletely.
- 4
Medical research
The causes of the disease are still incompletely understood.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- fragmentarily
- sketchily
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- incompletely understood
- incompletely filled out
- incompletely developed
Word family
Explore
- omission
- partial completion
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- incompletelyadverb