IELTS vocabulary
IELTS technology vocabulary
Words for the internet, devices, innovation and digital life, for essays and Part 3 discussions about change.
Each entry has the typical band it's useful for, a plain meaning, an example sentence and the words it most often goes with. Learn the collocations along with the word: that's what makes vocabulary sound natural.
Band 6 words
broadband noun
A high-speed internet connection that can carry large amounts of data.
Affordable broadband is vital for students who rely on online lessons and learning materials.
Collocations: broadband access · broadband connection · high-speed broadband
digital adjective
Using computer technology to store, process, or share information.
Digital resources allow students to access a wide range of learning materials outside the classroom.
Collocations: digital technology · digital resources · digital learning
drone noun
An aircraft operated remotely or controlled by an onboard computer.
A drone can deliver medical supplies to areas that are difficult to reach by road.
Collocations: drone delivery · drone technology · operate a drone
fake news noun
False stories presented as though they were genuine news reports.
Teaching students to check sources can help them recognise fake news online.
Collocations: spread fake news · identify fake news · fake news story
gadget noun · informal
A small, useful electronic device or tool.
A fitness gadget can help people monitor their activity, although it cannot replace healthy routines.
Collocations: electronic gadget · useful gadget · gadget for
hacker noun
A person who uses computer skills to access systems or data without permission.
A hacker could expose private information if an organisation fails to secure its network.
Collocations: malicious hacker · hacker attack · hacker gains access
hardware noun
The physical parts of a computer or other electronic device.
Schools need reliable hardware if students are expected to complete assignments online.
Collocations: computer hardware · hardware requirements · upgrade hardware
high-tech adjective
Using or involving advanced technology.
High-tech medical equipment can improve diagnosis, but it may be too expensive for some clinics.
Collocations: high-tech equipment · high-tech industry · high-tech solutions
internet access noun
The ability to connect to and use the internet.
Reliable internet access is essential for students who depend on online learning materials.
Collocations: reliable internet access · internet access at home · provide internet access
online banking noun
A service that lets customers manage their bank accounts using the internet.
Online banking saves time, although users need strong passwords to protect their accounts.
Collocations: use online banking · online banking services · online banking security
online platform noun phrase
A website or application that provides services or enables users to interact online.
An online platform can give small businesses access to customers beyond their local area.
Collocations: use an online platform · online platform users · operate an online platform
privacy noun
The right to keep personal information and activities from being seen by others.
People may be reluctant to use an app if they are concerned about their privacy.
Collocations: protect privacy · privacy settings · user privacy
screen time noun
The amount of time someone spends using a device with a screen.
Excessive screen time may affect children's sleep and ability to concentrate.
Collocations: limit screen time · reduce screen time · excessive screen time
smartphone noun
A mobile phone that can access the internet and run applications.
A smartphone gives users convenient access to maps, banking and educational resources.
Collocations: smartphone use · smartphone app · smartphone technology
social media noun phrase
Websites and applications that allow users to share content and communicate with others.
Social media can spread useful information quickly, but it may also amplify misleading claims.
Collocations: social media platforms · use social media · social media content
software noun
The programs and instructions that enable a computer or device to perform tasks.
Schools can use educational software to give students immediate feedback on their work.
Collocations: educational software · software program · install software
tech-savvy adjective · informal
Confident and skilled at using modern technology.
Even people who are not particularly tech-savvy should be able to use essential online services.
Collocations: tech-savvy user · tech-savvy generation · be tech-savvy
upgrade verb
To improve a device or system by adding newer or better features.
Schools should upgrade their computer systems to support modern teaching methods.
Collocations: upgrade a system · upgrade to the latest version · upgrade equipment
user-friendly adjective
Easy for people to use, even without special training.
A user-friendly public transport app can help residents plan journeys more efficiently.
Collocations: user-friendly design · user-friendly interface · user-friendly software
Band 7 words
3D printing noun · academic
The process of making a solid object by building it in layers from a digital design.
3D printing could make it cheaper to produce replacement parts in remote areas.
Collocations: 3D printing technology · 3D printing process · 3D printing industry
artificial intelligence noun · academic
Computer technology that can perform tasks usually requiring human intelligence.
Artificial intelligence could personalise lessons by adapting exercises to each student's progress.
Collocations: artificial intelligence tools · artificial intelligence system · artificial intelligence technology
automation noun · academic
The use of machines or technology to perform tasks with little human effort.
Automation may make some routine jobs more efficient, but workers may need training for new roles.
Collocations: workplace automation · automation technology · increase automation
breakthrough noun · formal
An important discovery or development that leads to significant progress.
A breakthrough in battery design could make electric vehicles more practical for everyday use.
Collocations: scientific breakthrough · major breakthrough · breakthrough in technology
cloud computing noun phrase · academic
The use of remote internet servers to store data and run software.
Cloud computing allows employees to access shared documents from different locations.
Collocations: cloud computing services · cloud computing infrastructure · cloud computing provider
computing power noun · academic
The ability of a computer to process information quickly and handle complex tasks.
Greater computing power has made it possible to analyse large quantities of scientific data.
Collocations: increase computing power · vast computing power · computing power required
connectivity noun · academic
The ability of devices or systems to connect and communicate with one another.
Poor connectivity can prevent people in remote areas from accessing essential online services.
Collocations: internet connectivity · improve connectivity · connectivity issues
cutting-edge adjective · formal
Extremely modern and advanced in design, technology or ideas.
Cutting-edge medical equipment can help doctors detect diseases at an earlier stage.
Collocations: cutting-edge technology · cutting-edge research · cutting-edge equipment
cyberbullying noun
The use of digital communication to deliberately harass or intimidate someone.
Schools need clear policies to prevent cyberbullying and support affected students.
Collocations: prevent cyberbullying · cyberbullying among teenagers · cyberbullying prevention
cybersecurity noun · formal
The protection of computers, networks and information from digital attacks.
Improving cybersecurity is essential as more personal and financial information is stored online.
Collocations: cybersecurity measures · cybersecurity risks · cybersecurity systems
data breach noun phrase · formal
An incident in which private or protected information is accessed or disclosed without permission.
A data breach can damage public trust, particularly when a company fails to explain what happened.
Collocations: prevent a data breach · report a data breach · data breach notification
database noun · academic
An organised collection of information stored electronically.
A well-maintained database can help researchers identify patterns in public health data.
Collocations: create a database · database management · search a database
digital divide noun · academic
The gap between people who can access digital technology and those who cannot.
Providing affordable internet access is essential if governments want to reduce the digital divide.
Collocations: bridge the digital divide · widen the digital divide · digital divide between communities
digital footprint noun
The record of information a person leaves through their online activity.
Young people should consider how their digital footprint may affect future job applications.
Collocations: leave a digital footprint · digital footprint online · manage a digital footprint
digital literacy noun · academic
The ability to use digital devices and online information effectively and safely.
Schools should develop digital literacy so that students can assess online sources critically.
Collocations: develop digital literacy · digital literacy skills · improve digital literacy
e-learning noun · academic
Education delivered through digital devices and the internet.
E-learning can give people in remote areas access to courses they could not attend in person.
Collocations: e-learning courses · e-learning platform · e-learning opportunities
electric vehicle noun · academic
A vehicle powered partly or entirely by electricity rather than petrol or diesel.
Electric vehicles can reduce urban air pollution if their electricity comes from cleaner sources.
Collocations: electric vehicle charging · electric vehicle market · electric vehicle adoption
encryption noun · academic
The process of changing information into a coded form to prevent unauthorised access.
Encryption helps protect online payments from criminals who might otherwise intercept sensitive details.
Collocations: data encryption · end-to-end encryption · encryption software
identity theft noun · formal
The crime of using another person's personal information without permission.
People should avoid sharing sensitive details online to reduce the risk of identity theft.
Collocations: prevent identity theft · risk of identity theft · identity theft protection
information overload noun · academic
A situation in which someone receives more information than they can process.
Constant notifications can cause information overload and make it difficult to concentrate.
Collocations: cause information overload · information overload online · cope with information overload
innovation noun · academic
A new idea, method or product, or the process of introducing one.
Innovation in medical technology can improve diagnosis and make treatment more efficient.
Collocations: technological innovation · encourage innovation · innovation in technology
innovative adjective · academic
Introducing new ideas or methods to solve problems or improve something.
Innovative teaching methods can make lessons more engaging for students with different needs.
Collocations: innovative technology · innovative approach · innovative solutions
interface noun
The part of a device or program through which a person interacts with it.
A clear interface allows users to find information without wasting time.
Collocations: user interface · intuitive interface · interface design
malware noun · academic
Software designed to damage a computer or access information without permission.
Regular security updates can reduce the risk of malware infecting personal devices.
Collocations: malware attack · malware infection · protect against malware
misinformation noun · academic
False or inaccurate information, often shared without the intention to deceive.
Social media platforms should respond quickly when misinformation about public health begins to spread.
Collocations: spread misinformation · combat misinformation · misinformation online
obsolete adjective · formal
No longer useful or used because something newer has replaced it.
Some workers need retraining when their skills become obsolete because of automation.
Collocations: become obsolete · render obsolete · obsolete technology
robotics noun · academic
The science and technology of designing and using robots.
Introducing robotics at school can encourage students to develop problem-solving and engineering skills.
Collocations: robotics education · robotics industry · robotics research
self-driving car noun · academic
A car that can navigate and operate without a human driver controlling it continuously.
A self-driving car could make travel easier for older people, but safety standards must be rigorous.
Collocations: self-driving car technology · self-driving car trial · self-driving car safety
streaming noun
The continuous delivery of audio or video over the internet while it is being played.
Streaming has made films and music more accessible, although it can encourage people to spend longer online.
Collocations: streaming service · video streaming · live streaming
surveillance noun · formal
The careful watching of people, places or activities, often using technology.
Although surveillance cameras may deter crime, their widespread use can raise concerns about civil liberties.
Collocations: surveillance cameras · government surveillance · mass surveillance
tech giant noun
A very large and influential technology company.
A tech giant can influence how millions of people communicate and obtain information.
Collocations: global tech giant · tech giant's influence · compete with a tech giant
telecommunications noun · formal
The transmission of information over long distances using technology.
Investment in telecommunications can help businesses communicate more efficiently with clients.
Collocations: telecommunications industry · telecommunications networks · telecommunications infrastructure
virtual reality noun phrase
A computer-generated environment that users can explore as if it were real.
Virtual reality could make technical training safer by allowing learners to practise in simulated situations.
Collocations: virtual reality technology · virtual reality headset · virtual reality experience
wearable technology noun · academic
Electronic devices worn on the body that collect or provide information.
Wearable technology can help people monitor their fitness, but it also raises privacy concerns.
Collocations: wearable technology device · wearable technology market · advances in wearable technology
Band 8+ words
algorithm noun · academic
A set of instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
A search algorithm determines which results appear first when users look for information online.
Collocations: search algorithm · algorithm design · algorithm-based system
augmented reality noun phrase · academic
Technology that adds computer-generated images or information to a view of the real world.
Augmented reality could help shoppers see how furniture would look in their homes before buying it.
Collocations: augmented reality technology · augmented reality app · augmented reality experience
biotechnology noun · academic
The use of living organisms or biological processes to develop products and technologies.
Biotechnology has enabled researchers to develop more effective treatments for certain diseases.
Collocations: biotechnology industry · advances in biotechnology · biotechnology research
disruptive adjective · academic
Changing an industry or activity significantly, often by replacing established methods.
Disruptive technologies can create new jobs while making some traditional roles less necessary.
Collocations: disruptive technology · disruptive innovation · disruptive effect
genetic engineering noun · academic
The deliberate alteration of an organism's genetic material.
Genetic engineering could improve crop yields, although its long-term effects need careful study.
Collocations: genetic engineering techniques · advances in genetic engineering · genetic engineering research
machine learning noun · academic
A type of computing that allows systems to learn from data and improve their performance.
Machine learning can help hospitals identify patterns in medical records and make earlier diagnoses.
Collocations: machine learning algorithm · machine learning model · machine learning system
state-of-the-art adjective · formal
Using the newest and most advanced technology or methods available.
The new laboratory contains state-of-the-art equipment for testing renewable energy systems.
Collocations: state-of-the-art technology · state-of-the-art facilities · state-of-the-art equipment
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