Abbreviation: tbd - that is what it means
The abbreviation "tbd" can have different meanings depending on the application. Most of the time you will come across this abbreviation in chats and lists. We explain what the three letters stand for.
The abbreviation tbd - "to be done" or "to be decided"
The meaning of the abbreviation "tbd" is not uniform. We explain what the letter abbreviations can mean.
- In emails and chats: Mostly "tbd" here means "to be done", ie "still has to be done". That is why the abbreviation is often used in connection with tasks or problems.
- But be careful: In this case "tbd" can also stand for "to be discussed", ie "still has to be discussed". If the exact meaning cannot be determined from the context, you should ask your interlocutor.
- "Tbd" can just as well stand for "to be defined". So it may be that a topic has yet to be precisely defined.
- In lists and overviews: Especially when it comes to publication dates, the abbreviation can also be found in list overviews. Here "tbd" stands for "to be determined" or "to be decided". The decision for an exact date is still pending.
Use easier-to-understand abbreviations
As you can see, “tbd” is not a really helpful shortcut.
- If the meaning is not clear from the context, you should ask what this means. Otherwise misunderstandings can quickly arise.
- It is best to use this abbreviation in your job only if it has been clearly defined beforehand.
- In daily correspondence and in chats, however, there are also examples of easy-to-understand and, above all, clear abbreviations.
- A good example of this is the abbreviation "asap" for "as soon as possible". The addressee then knows immediately that a certain time pressure is required.
Also more and more common on the Internet: the abbreviation tl; dr. You can read what is hidden in our next practical tip.