In plain English
It means this is an earlier version, not the finished one. The content can still be changed before a final version is issued.
In context
For a result entry, Preliminary indicates that the result is an earlier version rather than the final one and may still be revised.
- Situation
- Using patient portals, secure messages, notifications, and result-status labels
- What it communicates
- marks version status for a result entry
Meaning limits
By itself, Preliminary does not say when or whether a final version will appear.
Examples
“The editor circulated a preliminary schedule and asked for revisions before issuing the final version.”
“After the final runner crossed the line, the posted results were still preliminary.”