PTE Technology & Digital Life Vocabulary

The use of machines and technology to perform tasks that were previously done by people.

“Increasing automation in factories has raised concerns about the future of manual labour.”

Collocations: industrial automation, increasing automation

A set of precise rules or steps that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.

“Search engines rely on sophisticated algorithms to rank web pages according to relevance.”

Collocations: complex algorithm, design an algorithm

The close monitoring of people, places, or activities, often using cameras or technology.

“The growing use of digital surveillance has sparked intense debate about personal privacy.”

Collocations: mass surveillance, under surveillance

A major disturbance that interrupts or radically changes how something normally works.

“The arrival of streaming services caused enormous disruption to the traditional television industry.”

Collocations: major disruption, cause disruption

No longer used or useful because something newer and better has replaced it.

“Rapid advances in computing can make even recent devices obsolete within a few years.”

Collocations: become obsolete, technologically obsolete

The basic physical systems and structures needed for a society or organisation to operate.

“Reliable digital infrastructure is essential for businesses to compete in the global economy.”

Collocations: digital infrastructure, build infrastructure

Present, found, or seeming to be everywhere at the same time.

“Smartphones have become so ubiquitous that they now shape almost every aspect of daily life.”

Collocations: ubiquitous technology, become ubiquitous

The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorised access.

“Strong encryption protects sensitive data as it travels across public networks.”

Collocations: data encryption, strong encryption

A rapid increase in the number or amount of something.

“The proliferation of social media platforms has changed how news is created and shared.”

Collocations: rapid proliferation, proliferation of devices

The quality of being easy to reach, use, or understand, especially for people with disabilities.

“Designers must consider accessibility so that websites can be used by people with visual impairments.”

Collocations: improve accessibility, web accessibility

A typical example or model of how something works or is thought about.

“The shift towards cloud computing represents a new paradigm in how data is stored and managed.”

Collocations: paradigm shift, dominant paradigm

Able to be increased or expanded in size or capacity to meet greater demand.

“Cloud-based platforms are highly scalable, allowing companies to grow without rebuilding their systems.”

Collocations: scalable solution, highly scalable

No longer needed or useful because it has been replaced or is unnecessary.

“Automated checkout systems have made many cashier roles redundant in large supermarkets.”

Collocations: become redundant, redundant system

The point of connection through which a user interacts with a computer or device.

“A well-designed interface allows users to navigate complex software with minimal effort.”

Collocations: user interface, intuitive interface

Introducing or using new ideas, methods, or original ways of thinking.

“The company gained a competitive edge through its innovative approach to product design.”

Collocations: innovative approach, innovative solution

The practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from digital attacks.

“Organisations are investing heavily in cybersecurity to defend against increasingly frequent online threats.”

Collocations: cybersecurity threat, strengthen cybersecurity

A set of equipment or tools used for a particular purpose, especially in science or technology.

“The laboratory was equipped with sophisticated apparatus for measuring electrical signals.”

Collocations: scientific apparatus, specialised apparatus

A particular method or skilful way of carrying out a task.

“Researchers developed a new technique for analysing vast quantities of data efficiently.”

Collocations: advanced technique, develop a technique

To create a realistic imitation of a process or situation, especially using a computer.

“Engineers use software to simulate how a bridge will respond to extreme weather conditions.”

Collocations: simulate conditions, computer-simulated

To increase the strength, volume, or effect of something.

“Social media can amplify the spread of misinformation far beyond its original audience.”

Collocations: amplify the signal, amplify the effect

The ability of computer systems to perform tasks that normally require human thinking.

“Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to diagnose diseases from medical images.”

Collocations: artificial intelligence systems, advances in artificial intelligence

To combine separate parts so that they work together as a single unit.

“Modern offices increasingly integrate digital tools to streamline communication between departments.”

Collocations: integrate technology, fully integrate

The state or process of becoming outdated and no longer useful.

“Critics argue that some manufacturers deliberately design products for rapid obsolescence.”

Collocations: planned obsolescence, technological obsolescence