In any coordination entity with a particular d
n (1<n<9) configuration and a particular geometry, if the n electrons are distributed so that they occupy the lowest possible energy levels, the entity is a low-spin complex. If some of the higher energy d orbitals are occupied before all the lower energy ones are completely filled, then the entity is a high-spin complex.
Source:
PAC, 1997, 69, 1251. 'Glossary of terms used in bioinorganic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1997)' on page 1283 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199769061251)