Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of providing written evidence or official records: "Documentation" refers to the collection, preparation, and use of documents to support facts or claims.
   • The material that provides official information or evidence: "Documentation" also means the set of documents, manuals, or records themselves that describe, explain, or validate something.

Usage

• Documentation is typically used as an uncountable noun referring to the general concept or body of materials. It can be used with verbs like , , , and .
  • Always keep the documentation for your new appliance.
  • The project cannot proceed without proper documentation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The lawyer requested documentation of the client's expenses.
  • The software's documentation is very clear and helpful for new users.
  • His thorough documentation of the experiment's process was crucial for its validation.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in documentation": To be recorded or evidenced in official documents.
  • The agreement must be in documentation before we can finalize the deal.
• "Lack of documentation": The absence of necessary records or evidence.
  • The application was denied due to a lack of documentation.

Variants and Related Words

• Document (n/v): A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence; to record something in detail.
  • Please sign this document.
  • She documented her travels in a blog.
• Documentary (adj/n): Consisting of documents; a non-fiction film or television program.
  • We need documentary proof.
  • We watched a documentary about climate change.

Synonyms

• Record: A piece of evidence or information constituting an account.
• Paperwork: Routine work involving documents.
• Verification: The process of establishing the truth or validity of something.

Related Phrases

• Supporting documentation: Additional documents that back up a primary claim or application.
  • Attach all supporting documentation to your visa application.
• Technical documentation: Manuals, specifications, and guides explaining how to use a technical product.
  • The engineer updated the technical documentation for the new software version.

Idioms

• The documentation speaks for itself: The evidence provided in the documents is so clear that no further explanation is needed.
  • We don't need to argue; the documentation speaks for itself.

Noun

1. documentary validation
   • his documentation of the results was excellent
   • the strongest support for this view is the work of Jones
2. program listings or technical manuals describing the operation and use of programs
3. confirmation that some fact or statement is true through the use of documentary evidence