Definition

Adverb 1. In a partial or unfinished manner; not fully or thoroughly. - Describes an action done without reaching completion, totality, or full understanding.

Usage

The adverb "incompletely" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that the action, state, or quality is partial or not whole.

Examples

• The instructions were incompletely explained, leading to confusion.
• She had only incompletely recovered from her illness before returning to work.
• The project remains incompletely documented, which is a risk for the team.
• He understood the concept only incompletely.

Advanced Usage

• "Incompletely characterized": A common phrase in scientific and technical writing meaning not fully described or understood in all its properties.
  • The newly discovered protein is still incompletely characterized.
• "Incompletely specified": Often used in formal contexts (e.g., law, engineering) to describe rules, designs, or data that are not fully detailed.
  • The contract was incompletely specified, leaving room for dispute.

Variants and Related Words

• Incomplete (adjective): Not having all the necessary or appropriate parts; not finished.
  • An incomplete set of data.
• Incompleteness (noun): The state or quality of being incomplete.
  • The incompleteness of the report was a major issue.

Synonyms

• Partially
• Partly
• Imperfectly
• Halfway

Antonyms

• Completely
• Fully
• Thoroughly
• Totally
• Wholly

Adverb

1. not to a full degree or extent
   • words incompletely understood
   • a form filled out incompletely