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beta-test

/ˈbiː.tə tɛst/
IELTSAcademic
verb

To test a new product, app, or system with real users before its final release. It helps find bugs and problems in normal use.

  • We beta-tested the app for two weeks.
  • The team is beta-testing the new website.
  • Can you beta-test this software for us?
noun

A test of a new product, app, or system with real users before release. It checks whether the product works well in real conditions.

  • The game is still in beta-test.
  • We learned a lot from the beta-test.
  • The beta-test found several bugs.

Adinary Nuance

Beta-test is more specific than test or try out. It usually means a planned trial with real users before launch, especially for software or products. Use test for any check, and try out for a more casual or general action. Beta-test sounds more technical and professional.

In other languages

Vietnamese
thử nghiệm beta
Spanish
prueba beta
Chinese
公测
Japanese
ベータテスト
Korean
베타 테스트

Etymology

Beta-test comes from the Greek letter beta, used in software development after alpha. The term became common in computing in the late 20th century.

Common phrases

beta-test a productbeta-test versionopen beta-testprivate beta-test

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is beta-test formal or informal?
It is neutral to formal. People use it often in software, product, and business writing.
What is the difference between beta-test and test?
Beta-test means a final-stage test with real users. Test is much broader and can mean any kind of checking.
Can I use beta-test for apps only?
No. It can also describe testing websites, devices, games, and online services.
Is beta-test a common word in IT?
Yes. It is very common in software and product development.