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: the use of historical documents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

After her team turned over thousands of pages of documentation, Optum conducted a separate in-person quality review. —Annie Waldman, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

However, the case has taken a new turn with the release of documentation suggesting authorities were, in fact, informed of scheduled appearances by Arjun and co-star Rashmika Mandana at the 9:30pm screening. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

Comprehensive documentation reduces dependency on specific individuals, ensuring smoother transitions when team members leave. Leadership Strategies for Training: • Organize workshops, certifications and knowledge-sharing sessions to keep teams updated. —Shyam Alok, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

About a dozen of paralegals and volunteers will offer one-on-one assistance, answer questions regarding documentation and share financial aid resources. —Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 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