It is the most comprehensive and largest dictionary of the Arabic language, and is considered the largest linguistic and literary encyclopedia;
Due to its wealth of scientific material and its comprehensive coverage of the vast vocabulary of the Arabic language, this dictionary is one of the richest in examples. It contains 80,000 entries (20,000 more than Al-Qamus Al-Muhit), is meticulously edited, presents conflicting accounts, and weighs the most reliable opinions. The dictionary also lists the names of tribes, people, places, and other entities derived from the same word.

Ibn Manzur aimed to combine two qualities in his book: thoroughness and organization. He stated that previous dictionaries focused on one of these aspects to the exclusion of the other. He committed himself to using the contents of his five sources verbatim, without deviation, considering this his sole contribution to the book. He disclaimed responsibility for any potential errors, asserting that any mistakes found within the book originated from the original sources, even though he made minor adjustments to the final arrangement.

Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar said in (Al-Durar al-Kaminah): He (meaning Ibn Manzur) compiled a book on language which he named (Lisan al-Arab), in which he combined Al-Tahdhib, Al-Muhkam, Al-Sihah and its marginal notes, Al-Jamharah, Al-Nihayah and the marginal notes of Al-Sihah, with the best of what he wanted, and he arranged it in the order of Al-Sihah, and it is large.