Recognises a negative definition
The definition says what the concept is not. Acceptable only when the absence of a characteristic is the essential feature.
Can AI do this?
People still lead Few or none of the tested AI models showed they master this. 0 of 4 models in the current benchmark master it.
| Model | Tier | Probability of mastery | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| gemini-4-argon | Flagship | 89% | Not shown |
| gemini-3.1-pro-preview* | Flagship | 89% | Not shown |
| gpt-6-astra* | Flagship | 0% | Not mastered |
| claude-fable-5-1* | Flagship | 89% | Not shown |
| gemini-3.8-flash* | Mid tier | 100% | Mastered |
| gpt-6.1-sol* | Mid tier | 0% | Not mastered |
| claude-sonnet-5-5* | Mid tier | 90% | Not shown |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | Low cost | 75% | Not shown |
| gpt-6-luna | Low cost | 12% | Not shown |
| claude-haiku-5-5 | Low cost | 88% | Not shown |
* From the earlier benchmark of 2026-10: 10 data-modelling test tasks, 3 runs per task, graded by claude-opus-5-5. These models have not taken the current 123 tasks yet; the two methods differ, so compare their figures with care. They are left out of the “most models” counts and the best-model picks.
Mastered means a probability of at least 90% that the model has this knobit, estimated from its graded answers. “Not shown” means the answers do not settle it either way. How the models are tested.
What it looks like in practice
Expected result: The definition and the positive delimiting characteristic missing
How it is assessed: Flags the deficient case and passes the acceptable one. Deficient: fixed-rate loan: loan that is not a variable-rate loan Acceptable: fixed-rate loan: loan whose interest rate stays the same for the whole term. Acceptable negation: unsecured loan: loan not backed by collateral
Also known as: Negative definition (business term)
Related knobits
Builds on
Usually followed by
All 18 knobits of Define business terms in the glossary.
Source: Review checklist 03-business-glossary (metadata-management), row 3; formerly data-modelling K-203