IELTS Technology Vocabulary
60 essential technology words for IELTS. Technology is a high-frequency topic across all four modules. Master these words to discuss digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on society.
Why Technology Vocabulary Matters for IELTS
- Writing Task 2: Common questions ask about the advantages and disadvantages of technology, social media, automation, and artificial intelligence.
- Speaking Part 3: Examiners often ask about technology’s impact on communication, work, education, and daily life.
- Reading: Scientific and technological passages are common in Academic IELTS.
- Listening: Lectures and discussions frequently cover technological developments and digital trends.
| # | Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artificial intelligence | noun | Computer systems that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence | Artificial intelligence is transforming industries from healthcare to finance. |
| 2 | Automation | noun | The use of machines or technology to perform tasks without human intervention | Automation has led to significant job losses in manufacturing. |
| 3 | Bandwidth | noun | The capacity of a network to transmit data | Higher bandwidth is needed to support video conferencing and streaming. |
| 4 | Cybersecurity | noun | The practice of protecting systems and networks from digital attacks | Companies invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect customer data. |
| 5 | Digitalisation | noun | The process of converting information or processes to digital form | The digitalisation of government services has improved efficiency. |
| 6 | Encryption | noun | The process of converting data into code to prevent unauthorised access | End-to-end encryption ensures that messages remain private. |
| 7 | Innovation | noun | The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products | Technological innovation drives economic growth and competitiveness. |
| 8 | Obsolete | adj. | No longer in use; outdated | Many traditional skills have become obsolete due to advances in technology. |
| 9 | Algorithm | noun | A set of rules or instructions followed by a computer to solve a problem | Social media algorithms determine which content users see in their feeds. |
| 10 | Database | noun | An organised collection of data stored and accessed electronically | The hospital maintains a database of patient records. |
| 11 | Software | noun | Programs and operating systems used by a computer | Open-source software is freely available for anyone to use and modify. |
| 12 | Hardware | noun | The physical components of a computer system | The cost of computer hardware has decreased dramatically over the past decade. |
| 13 | Virtual reality | noun | A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment | Virtual reality is being used in medical training and education. |
| 14 | Broadband | noun / adj. | High-speed internet access | Rural areas often lack reliable broadband connectivity. |
| 15 | Data mining | noun | The process of analysing large datasets to discover patterns | Companies use data mining to understand consumer behaviour. |
| # | Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Biotechnology | noun | The use of biological processes for industrial and technological purposes | Biotechnology has revolutionised agriculture and medicine. |
| 17 | Cloud computing | noun | Storing and accessing data and programs over the internet | Cloud computing allows businesses to reduce their IT infrastructure costs. |
| 18 | Connectivity | noun | The state of being connected to the internet or other networks | Poor internet connectivity remains a challenge in developing countries. |
| 19 | Digital divide | noun | The gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not | The digital divide between rich and poor nations continues to widen. |
| 20 | E-commerce | noun | The buying and selling of goods and services online | E-commerce has fundamentally changed how people shop. |
| 21 | Gadget | noun | A small electronic device or tool | Children are increasingly exposed to electronic gadgets from a young age. |
| 22 | Hacking | noun | Gaining unauthorised access to computer systems | Hacking incidents have exposed the personal data of millions of users. |
| 23 | Interface | noun | A point of interaction between a user and a computer | A user-friendly interface makes technology accessible to older adults. |
| 24 | Malware | noun | Software designed to damage or gain unauthorised access to a system | Installing antivirus software helps protect against malware. |
| 25 | Nanotechnology | noun | Technology operating at an extremely small scale, typically below 100 nanometres | Nanotechnology has promising applications in medicine and materials science. |
| 26 | Network | noun / verb | A system of connected computers or people; to connect | Social networks have changed how people communicate and share information. |
| 27 | Outsource | verb | To contract work to an external company, often enabled by technology | Many firms outsource their IT support to reduce costs. |
| 28 | Prototype | noun | An early model or sample of a product built to test a concept | Engineers built a prototype to demonstrate the new design. |
| 29 | Robotics | noun | The branch of technology dealing with the design and operation of robots | Robotics is increasingly used in surgery and manufacturing. |
| 30 | Streaming | noun / adj. | Transmitting audio or video content over the internet in real time | Streaming services have replaced traditional television for many young people. |
| # | Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Surveillance | noun | Close observation, especially by authorities using technology | The use of surveillance cameras raises concerns about privacy. |
| 32 | Telecommunications | noun | Communication over a distance by electronic means | The telecommunications industry has grown rapidly with mobile phone usage. |
| 33 | Upgrade | verb / noun | To improve or replace with a better version | Users must regularly upgrade their software to fix security vulnerabilities. |
| 34 | Wireless | adj. | Using radio waves rather than cables to transmit signals | Wireless technology has made internet access more convenient. |
| 35 | Autonomous | adj. | Operating independently without human control | Autonomous vehicles could reduce road accidents caused by human error. |
| 36 | Blockchain | noun | A decentralised digital ledger that records transactions securely | Blockchain technology is used in cryptocurrency and supply chain management. |
| 37 | Compatible | adj. | Able to work together without conflict | The new software is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. |
| 38 | Disruptive | adj. | Causing radical change to an existing industry or market | Ride-sharing apps were a disruptive innovation in the transport industry. |
| 39 | Exponential | adj. | Increasing at a rapidly accelerating rate | Data storage capacity has grown at an exponential rate. |
| 40 | Firewall | noun | A security system that monitors and controls network traffic | A firewall helps prevent unauthorised access to a company’s network. |
| 41 | Geolocation | noun | The identification of a device’s real-world geographic location | Geolocation technology is used in navigation apps and delivery services. |
| 42 | Immersive | adj. | Providing a deeply engaging or absorbing experience | Immersive technologies like VR are transforming online education. |
| 43 | Integrate | verb | To combine or incorporate into a larger system | Schools are finding ways to integrate technology into the classroom. |
| 44 | Machine learning | noun | A type of AI where computers learn from data without explicit programming | Machine learning enables systems to improve their accuracy over time. |
| 45 | Optimise | verb | To make the best or most effective use of something | Businesses use analytics to optimise their marketing strategies. |
| # | Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Piracy | noun | The unauthorised copying and distribution of digital content | Online piracy costs the entertainment industry billions of dollars each year. |
| 47 | Proliferation | noun | Rapid increase or spread | The proliferation of smartphones has changed how people access information. |
| 48 | Simulate | verb | To imitate or reproduce conditions using technology | Flight simulators allow pilots to train without the risks of real flying. |
| 49 | Technophobe | noun | A person who fears or dislikes new technology | Even technophobes have had to adapt to online banking and shopping. |
| 50 | User-friendly | adj. | Easy to learn and use | The most successful apps are those with a user-friendly design. |
| 51 | Wearable | adj. / noun | Technology designed to be worn on the body | Wearable devices such as smartwatches can monitor heart rate and activity. |
| 52 | Augmented reality | noun | Technology that overlays digital information on the real world | Augmented reality apps allow shoppers to visualise furniture in their homes. |
| 53 | Bandwidth | noun | The range of frequencies or data transmission capacity | Limited bandwidth can cause video calls to freeze or lag. |
| 54 | Censor | verb | To suppress or control access to information deemed objectionable | Some governments censor internet content to control public opinion. |
| 55 | Dependency | noun | The state of relying on something excessively | Society’s dependency on technology raises concerns about resilience. |
| 56 | Ethical | adj. | Relating to moral principles of right and wrong | The ethical implications of AI need careful consideration. |
| 57 | Genome | noun | The complete set of genetic material in an organism | Advances in genome sequencing have opened new possibilities in medicine. |
| 58 | Intellectual property | noun | Creations of the mind protected by law, such as patents and copyrights | Tech companies fiercely protect their intellectual property. |
| 59 | Render | verb | To process and generate an image or output using a computer | Powerful graphics cards can render realistic 3D environments in real time. |
| 60 | Sustainable technology | noun | Technology designed to minimise environmental impact | Investing in sustainable technology is crucial for addressing climate change. |