Vocabulary for discussing digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and technological impact on society.
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Band 7+ example
“Smartphones have become ubiquitous, fundamentally altering how people communicate and access information.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Technology is ubiquitous in everywhere.
Technology has become ubiquitous in modern society.
obsolete
No longer produced or used; out of date.
Band 7+ example
“Rapid technological advancement renders devices obsolete within a few years, contributing to electronic waste.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The phone is very obsolete now.
The phone has become obsolete due to newer models.
artificial intelligence
Computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
Band 7+ example
“Artificial intelligence is increasingly being deployed in healthcare to improve diagnostic accuracy.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Artificial intelligence will replace all the human jobs.
Artificial intelligence is likely to automate certain repetitive tasks rather than replace entire professions.
surveillance
Close observation, especially of a suspected person or place.
Band 7+ example
“The proliferation of surveillance technology raises significant concerns about individual privacy rights.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The government uses surveillance to watch people.
The expansion of state surveillance has sparked debate about the balance between security and civil liberties.
automation
The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
Band 7+ example
“Automation in manufacturing has increased productivity but displaced workers in traditional assembly-line roles.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Automation makes people lose their works.
Automation has led to significant job displacement in certain sectors.
digital divide
The gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who do not.
Band 7+ example
“Bridging the digital divide is crucial for ensuring that rural communities can participate in the digital economy.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Poor people have digital divide.
The digital divide disproportionately affects low-income households.
cyber
Relating to computers, information technology, and virtual reality.
Band 7+ example
“Cybersecurity threats have become one of the most pressing challenges facing both governments and corporations.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Cyber problems are increasing in the internet.
Cyber threats are escalating as more critical infrastructure moves online.
innovation
The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.
Band 7+ example
“Technological innovation has the potential to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to food security.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Innovation of technology is very fast.
The pace of technological innovation has accelerated dramatically in recent decades.
algorithm
A set of rules or processes followed by a computer to solve a problem or make decisions.
Band 7+ example
“Social media algorithms curate content based on user behaviour, potentially creating echo chambers.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The algorithm of social media is controlling people.
Social media algorithms influence the information users are exposed to.
proliferation
Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
Band 7+ example
“The proliferation of mobile devices has transformed how people in developing nations access financial services.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
There is a proliferation of using smartphones.
The proliferation of smartphones has reshaped consumer behaviour.
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