automation
/ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Automation is the use of machines or software to do work with little or no human control. It often makes tasks faster, more consistent, and less tiring.
- Automation cut the time needed for checking invoices.
- The factory uses automation for packing and sorting.
- Automation can reduce simple human errors.
Adinary Nuance
Automation is more specific than 'technology' because it means work done automatically. It is also different from 'mechanization', which usually means using machines to help people, not fully replacing them. Use 'automation' when the process runs by itself, often through software or machines.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tự động hóa
- Spanish
- automatización
- Chinese
- 自动化
- Japanese
- 自動化
- Korean
- 자동화
Etymology
Automation came into English in the early 1900s from French automatisation, based on Greek roots meaning 'self' and 'moving'. It later became common in industry and computing.
Common phrases
factory automationautomation softwarehome automationprocess automation
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is automation a formal word?
- Yes. It is common in business, industry, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between automation and mechanization?
- Automation means a process runs by itself. Mechanization means machines help with the work.
- Can I use automation in computer contexts?
- Yes. It is very common for software, systems, and online tasks.
- Is automation a countable noun?
- Usually no. People most often use it as an uncountable noun.