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incunable

incunable

9.9
In the earliest stage of development and not fully formed
  • adjective
  • /ˌɪnˈkjuːnəbl/
translation icon : incipiente
  • All citations from Andres de Li are taken from the Zaragoza incunable.

Examples

  • In its incunable phase, the software still lacked many features that would later define its success.

  • The research project was still in an incunable state, with only preliminary data collected.

  • My transcription retains the orthography of that incunable and does not add accents or modern punctuation.

    Academic text (1998)
  • All citations from the Historia de la donzella Teodor are taken from the Toledo incunable.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The artist's first collection of sketches was at an incunable stage, showcasing his rudimentary understanding of form.

Synonyms

incipient
vsincunable
7 8.1

Beginning to exist or develop

is used to describe a characteristic of the earliest formative stage
unformed
vsincunable
4 5.4

Not fully developed or given a clear shape

focuses on being characteristic of the earliest phase rather than lacking shape
undeveloped
vsincunable
3 4.2

Ideas or skills not fully formed and needing more work

emphasizes belonging to the earliest formative phase rather than simple lack of maturity
inchoative
vsincunable
  • Formal
9.9

Just beginning to develop or exist

is about being a trait of the earliest developmental phase rather than a current start
embryological
vsincunable
8.2

About an early stage when a plan or idea is not yet developed

is a general descriptor of earliest stage, not limited to technical or figurative use

Antonyms

379 4.0

At a very high level of skill, knowledge, or development

91 3.5

To become fully grown or developed

How Developed

developed
2.3
rudimentary
33 5.1
nascent
  • Formal
16 8.1
incipient
7 8.1
embryonic
4 7.2
incunable
9.9

Surface Forms

incunable positive

Etymology

Incunable comes from the Latin word incunabulum, which meant 'cradle' or 'infancy'. So, calling something incunable is like saying it is in its 'cradle' — at a very early, basic stage.