adj
Common
incomplete
ihn-kuhm-PLEET
Incomplete (adj) means not finished; missing one or more parts. Example: “The report is incomplete because the final chapter has not been written.”
adj
1
Not finished; missing one or more parts.
"The report is incomplete because the final chapter has not been written."
"an incomplete jigsaw puzzle"
"She submitted an incomplete application and had to send the missing documents later."
"The puzzle looked incomplete with three pieces still missing."
"Stefania handed in her writing incomplete."
"My knowledge on the subject is incomplete."
How to use incomplete
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMissing something — not whole or finished.
Common pairings
incomplete data
incomplete picture
mark as incomplete
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Word forms
- Plural
- incompletes
- Comparative
- more incomplete
- Superlative
- most incomplete
Fill the gap
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The report is _____ because the final chapter has not been written.
Etymology
From Late Latin incomplētus, from in- ("not") plus complētus ("complete, filled up").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for incomplete
See all rhymes for incomplete →Frequently asked questions
What does “incomplete” mean?
The word “incomplete” means not finished; missing one or more parts. In plain terms, missing something — not whole or finished.
How do you pronounce “incomplete”?
“Incomplete” is pronounced ihn-kuhm-PLEET (/ɪn.kəmˈpliːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “incomplete” in a sentence?
Here is “incomplete” used in a sentence: “She submitted an incomplete application and had to send the missing documents later.”
What is the opposite of “incomplete”?
The opposite of “incomplete” — its antonyms — is complete.
What part of speech is “incomplete”?
“Incomplete” is an adjective.
Where does the word “incomplete” come from?
The word “incomplete” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin incomplētus, from in- ("not") plus complētus ("complete, filled up").
Is “incomplete” a common word?
“Incomplete” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between incomplete and unfinished?
Incomplete simply means missing one or more parts, which can apply to something that was never intended to be finished, such as an incomplete set of dishes. Unfinished more specifically implies that work on something is still in progress or was stopped before completion, such as an unfinished painting.
What is the opposite of incomplete?
The opposite of incomplete is complete, meaning something that has all its parts and is fully finished. Whole is another common opposite.
Can incomplete describe information as well as objects?
Yes, incomplete commonly describes information, records, or data that is missing details, such as an incomplete application or an incomplete medical history. It applies equally to physical objects and abstract things like data or plans.
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