documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-,

-kyü-

1

: the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents

2

a

: the provision of documents in substantiation

also : documentary evidence

b(1)

: the use of historical documents

(2)

: conformity to historical or objective facts

(3)

: the provision of footnotes, appendices, or addenda referring to or containing documentary evidence

3

: information science

4

: the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware

documentational

ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌmen-

-kyü-

adjective

Synonyms

• attestation
• confirmation
• corroboration
• evidence
• proof
• substantiation
• testament
• testimonial
• testimony
• validation
• voucher
• witness

Examples of documentation in a Sentence

You cannot visit the country unless you have the proper documentation.

Keep your receipts as documentation of your purchases.

Can you provide documentation of the claims you're making?

The program's documentation is poorly written.

Recent Examples on the Web

More:White River State Park 15-acre expansion will feature event center, river overlook Once all human remains are exposed, photographs and data documentation will be completed and remains will be exhumed and sent to Indiana University, Indianapolis' lab for analysis. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024

To earn a perfect score, companies must now offer gender-transition plans for their employees, including supportive restrooms, dress codes and documentation guidance. —Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024

The surge in applications has led several countries to increase their processing fees and tighten documentation requirements. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

For comparison, the U.S. Department of Education has an easy-to-access disability application for federal student loan borrowers, and detailed information on its website about documentation and eligibility requirements. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the providing of documents as proof

2

: evidence in the form of documents

3

: written instructions for using a computer or computer program