diff --git a/cranelift/module/src/backend.rs b/cranelift/module/src/backend.rs
index 9efe17a926..218070a5c0 100644
--- a/cranelift/module/src/backend.rs
+++ b/cranelift/module/src/backend.rs
@@ -119,6 +119,9 @@ where
 
     /// Perform all outstanding relocations on the given function. This requires all `Local`
     /// and `Export` entities referenced to be defined.
+    ///
+    /// This method is not relevant for `Backend` implementations that do not provide
+    /// `Backend::FinalizedFunction`.
     fn finalize_function(
         &mut self,
         id: FuncId,
@@ -131,6 +134,9 @@ where
 
     /// Perform all outstanding relocations on the given data object. This requires all
     /// `Local` and `Export` entities referenced to be defined.
+    ///
+    /// This method is not relevant for `Backend` implementations that do not provide
+    /// `Backend::FinalizedData`.
     fn finalize_data(
         &mut self,
         id: DataId,
@@ -142,6 +148,9 @@ where
     fn get_finalized_data(&self, data: &Self::CompiledData) -> Self::FinalizedData;
 
     /// "Publish" all finalized functions and data objects to their ultimate destinations.
+    ///
+    /// This method is not relevant for `Backend` implementations that do not provide
+    /// `Backend::FinalizedFunction` or `Backend::FinalizedData`.
     fn publish(&mut self);
 
     /// Consume this `Backend` and return a result. Some implementations may
diff --git a/cranelift/module/src/module.rs b/cranelift/module/src/module.rs
index c6aa533807..6c2f109c20 100644
--- a/cranelift/module/src/module.rs
+++ b/cranelift/module/src/module.rs
@@ -648,6 +648,9 @@ where
     ///
     /// Use `get_finalized_function` and `get_finalized_data` to obtain the final
     /// artifacts.
+    ///
+    /// This method is not relevant for `Backend` implementations that do not provide
+    /// `Backend::FinalizedFunction` or `Backend::FinalizedData`.
     pub fn finalize_definitions(&mut self) {
         for func in self.functions_to_finalize.drain(..) {
             let info = &self.contents.functions[func];