What is the biggest issue with a defect report that lacks expected results?

A defect report that lacks expected results presents a significant challenge because it does not clearly communicate what the tester anticipated when executing the test. Expected results define the criteria for the software's functionality and behavior under specific conditions. Without this information, the developer is left in the dark regarding the tester's intentions and what specific outcomes should be achieved.

The absence of expected results means that the developer will struggle to identify whether the observed behavior is indeed a defect or simply a different, yet acceptable, outcome. Clear expected results frame the context of the test and allow developers to understand the goals of the test case. Consequently, they can address the issue more effectively by knowing what the tester was looking for, which ultimately aids in resolving the defect in alignment with user expectations.

This clarity is crucial for effective communication between testers and developers, ensuring a smooth workflow in defect resolution.