algorithm
An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions or rules followed by a computer or system to solve a problem or perform a calculation. While often associated with technology, it can describe any logical sequence of actions taken to achieve a specific result.
Examples
3 of 5The social media algorithm determines which posts you see based on your interests.
The social media algorithm determines which posts you see based on your interests.
The researchers developed a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the climate data.
The researchers developed a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the climate data.
I think the algorithm is broken because I keep getting weird ads.
I think the algorithm is broken because I keep getting weird ads.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Al Gore' (Algorithm) dancing to a 'Rhythm' (a repeating, predictable pattern of steps).
Quick Quiz
The computer programmer wrote a new ____ to speed up the data processing time.
Correct!
The correct answer is: algorithm
Examples
The social media algorithm determines which posts you see based on your interests.
everydayThe social media algorithm determines which posts you see based on your interests.
The researchers developed a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the climate data.
formalThe researchers developed a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the climate data.
I think the algorithm is broken because I keep getting weird ads.
informalI think the algorithm is broken because I keep getting weird ads.
The efficiency of a sorting algorithm is measured by its time complexity.
academicThe efficiency of a sorting algorithm is measured by its time complexity.
Our marketing team uses a predictive algorithm to identify potential customers.
businessOur marketing team uses a predictive algorithm to identify potential customers.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
algorithmic bias
algorithmic bias
the algorithm
the algorithm (often referring to social media feeds)
sorting algorithm
sorting algorithm
Often Confused With
A logarithm is a mathematical exponent concept (e.g., base 10), whereas an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure.
A heuristic is a 'rule of thumb' or practical shortcut that might not be perfect, while an algorithm is a rigid, guaranteed process.
Usage Notes
In modern conversation, people often say 'the algorithm' to refer to the invisible force that controls content on apps like TikTok or Instagram. It is typically used as a countable noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the word as 'algorythm' (replacing the 'i' with a 'y') or confuse it with the math term 'logarithm'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Al Gore' (Algorithm) dancing to a 'Rhythm' (a repeating, predictable pattern of steps).
Word Origin
Derived from the Latinized name of the 9th-century Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the digital age, 'the algorithm' is sometimes personified as a modern-day deity that decides which creators become famous or which news stories go viral.
Quick Quiz
The computer programmer wrote a new ____ to speed up the data processing time.
Correct!
The correct answer is: algorithm
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