Technology vocabulary for IELTS

Digital life, automation, the internet and innovation. 20 words with definitions and example sentences, useful for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

automation noun

the use of machines to do work once done by people

Automation has reshaped the manufacturing workforce.

artificial intelligence noun

computer systems that perform tasks needing human intelligence

Artificial intelligence is already used to diagnose some diseases.

digital divide noun

the gap between people with and without technology access

The pandemic exposed a stark digital divide between regions.

cutting-edge adjective

the most advanced at a given time

The university invests heavily in cutting-edge research.

obsolete adjective

no longer used because something better exists

Many job skills become obsolete within a decade.

innovation noun

a new idea, method or product

Innovation is often driven by small start-ups.

user-friendly adjective

easy to use or understand

Banking apps have become far more user-friendly.

data privacy noun

protection of personal information

Stronger laws are needed to guarantee data privacy.

cybercrime noun

crime committed using computers or the internet

Cybercrime costs businesses billions every year.

screen time noun

time spent using a device with a screen

Doctors recommend limiting children's screen time.

breakthrough noun

an important discovery or development

The vaccine was a major scientific breakthrough.

connectivity noun

the ability to connect to networks or the internet

Rural connectivity remains poor in many countries.

tech-savvy adjective

knowledgeable about modern technology

Younger employees are often more tech-savvy than their managers.

misinformation noun

false information spread without intent to deceive

Social media accelerates the spread of misinformation.

streamline verb

to make a process simpler and more efficient

Online forms have streamlined government services.

dependence noun

the state of relying on something

Our dependence on smartphones has grown rapidly.

wearable technology noun

electronic devices worn on the body

Wearable technology allows people to track their health.

surveillance noun

close monitoring of people's behaviour

Facial recognition raises concerns about mass surveillance.

e-commerce noun

buying and selling goods online

E-commerce has forced many high-street shops to close.

disruptive adjective

radically changing an industry

Ride-sharing apps proved highly disruptive to the taxi trade.