B2 adjective Neutral

malware

/ˈmæl.weər/

Malware is a broad term for any software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network. It encompasses various threats such as viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware that compromise digital security.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My computer is running slowly; I think I might have downloaded some malware by mistake.

I suspect I accidentally installed harmful software because my computer's performance has decreased.

2

The organization has implemented robust security measures to prevent malware infiltration into its private servers.

The company used strong protection to stop malicious programs from entering their internal computer systems.

3

Don't click that link! It looks like total malware and could ruin your phone.

Avoid that web link because it appears to be a dangerous program that might break your mobile device.

Word Family

Noun
malware
Adverb
maliciously
Adjective
malicious
Related
maliciousness
💡

Memory Tip

Remember: Malicious + Software = Malware. The prefix 'mal-' always means 'bad' or 'evil' (like 'malfunction' or 'malice').

Quick Quiz

The security software was unable to identify the new ______ because it hadn't been added to the database yet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

My computer is running slowly; I think I might have downloaded some malware by mistake.

everyday

I suspect I accidentally installed harmful software because my computer's performance has decreased.

2

The organization has implemented robust security measures to prevent malware infiltration into its private servers.

formal

The company used strong protection to stop malicious programs from entering their internal computer systems.

3

Don't click that link! It looks like total malware and could ruin your phone.

informal

Avoid that web link because it appears to be a dangerous program that might break your mobile device.

4

The study examines the evolution of malware and its impact on global cybersecurity frameworks.

academic

The research analyzes how harmful software has changed over time and affected international internet security rules.

5

Our IT department detected a malware threat in the latest batch of external emails.

business

The technical team found a danger from malicious software in the recently received messages from outside the company.

Word Family

Noun
malware
Adverb
maliciously
Adjective
malicious
Related
maliciousness

Common Collocations

malware detection the process of identifying malicious software
malware removal the act of deleting harmful programs from a system
malware attack a specific instance of using harmful software against a target
malware infection a state where a computer is compromised by harmful software
malware scanner a tool used to find and identify malicious code

Common Phrases

malware protection

security measures taken to defend against harmful software

malware signature

a unique identifier used by security tools to recognize a specific piece of malware

zero-day malware

a newly discovered harmful program for which no patch or defense yet exists

Often Confused With

malware vs virus

A virus is a specific type of malware that self-replicates; malware is the umbrella term for all harmful software.

malware vs adware

Adware specifically generates advertisements; while it can be malware, not all adware is intended to be harmful.

📝

Usage Notes

Malware is an uncountable noun and should not be used in the plural form (e.g., avoid saying 'many malwares'). It is frequently used as an attributive noun to modify other words like 'attack' or 'analysis'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often treat it as a countable noun; use 'types of malware' or 'malware samples' instead of 'malwares'.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember: Malicious + Software = Malware. The prefix 'mal-' always means 'bad' or 'evil' (like 'malfunction' or 'malice').

📖

Word Origin

A portmanteau of the words 'malicious' and 'software', first used in a technical context in 1990.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun Often functions as a noun adjunct (e.g., malware researcher)
🌍

Cultural Context

In the digital age, malware is a significant global concern for governments and individuals, often linked to discussions about national security and privacy.

Quick Quiz

The security software was unable to identify the new ______ because it hadn't been added to the database yet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

underpendsion

C1

The foundational support, basis, or underlying framework that provides stability and strength to a structure, theory, or organization. It refers to the core principles or physical elements that justify and hold up a larger system.

uniprivacy

C1

A conceptual term referring to a single, unified standard or framework of privacy protections applied consistently across different platforms, jurisdictions, or systems. It describes the state of having one streamlined set of data rights and security measures rather than fragmented or overlapping policies.

demarery

C1

A formal legal objection that admits the facts of an opponent's argument but denies that they are sufficient to justify a legal claim. It effectively argues that even if everything the opposing party says is true, there is no legal basis for a lawsuit.

translably

C1

The noun translably refers to the quality or degree to which a piece of text, an idea, or an expression can be effectively rendered into another language while preserving its original essence. It is a specialized linguistic term used to assess the feasibility of achieving semantic and cultural equivalence in translation tasks.

obfachood

C1

The state or condition of being deliberately obscure, hidden, or difficult to understand, particularly within a formal or technical system. It refers to the quality of a subject that has been rendered complex to prevent easy access or comprehension.

misdictile

C1

To transcribe or record spoken words incorrectly, especially in a manner that fundamentally alters the intended meaning or technical specifications of the message. It refers specifically to the failure of accuracy during the transition from auditory input to written or repeated output.

obgeotude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively preoccupied with physical location or geographical boundaries. It often refers to a mindset or policy that stubbornly prioritizes local physical presence over digital or global connectivity.

monotegate

C1

To consolidate multiple layers, systems, or categories into a single, unified structure. It is often used in technical or organizational contexts to describe the process of streamlining complex elements for the sake of efficiency or standardization.

autojecthood

C1

To transition a system, process, or entity into a state where it automatically identifies and rejects incompatible or non-compliant elements. It refers to the implementation of autonomous exclusion protocols to maintain system purity or efficiency.

contragratence

C1

A state or quality of being intentionally contrary or ungrateful, specifically characterized by a willful refusal to express gratitude or conform to expected social harmony. In academic or test-specific contexts, it often refers to a behavioral pattern of resisting positive social exchange.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free