The definition of done (DoD) is a shared, explicit checklist of the conditions a work item must meet before it can be considered complete, for example: code reviewed, tested, documented and integrated. By agreeing the DoD in advance, a team ensures a common understanding of quality and avoids work that is only nearly finished.
The definition of done applies to every item and to the increment as a whole, which supports a potentially releasable result at the end of each iteration. It differs from acceptance criteria, which are specific to an individual item; the DoD is the team’s general standard that applies to all of them.
Related: acceptance criteria, sprint, quality.
Last updated: 4 July 2026 · By Tom, PMP-certified since 2004