Is vaporware a formal word?

It is mostly used in business, tech, and media writing. It sounds critical, not neutral.

What's the difference between vaporware and prototype?

A prototype is a real early model. Vaporware is a product that is promised but not actually available.

Can I use vaporware in everyday speech?

Yes, if you are talking about apps, gadgets, or tech promises. It is common in news and online discussions.

← Dictionary

vaporware

/ˈveɪ.pə.weə/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Software, hardware, or a product that is announced but not yet available, and may never be released. It is often used when a company talks about a future product too early.

The startup's app was dismissed as vaporware.
Many customers feared the device was just vaporware.
The company denied that the project was vaporware.

Adinary Nuance

Vaporware is stronger and more skeptical than 'prototype' or 'planned product'. A prototype exists; vaporware may only be a promise. It is often used when people think a company is exaggerating or misleading.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hàng ảo
Spanish: producto fantasma
Chinese: 空头产品
Japanese: 幻の商品
Korean: 공수표 제품

Etymology

The word came from the tech industry in the 1980s. It combines 'vapor' and 'ware' to suggest a product that is like a mist: talked about, but not real yet.

Common phrases

vaporware productaccusations of vaporwarecall it vaporware

Synonyms

unreleased product mock-up prototype

Frequently asked questions

Is vaporware a formal word?: It is mostly used in business, tech, and media writing. It sounds critical, not neutral.
What's the difference between vaporware and prototype?: A prototype is a real early model. Vaporware is a product that is promised but not actually available.
Can I use vaporware in everyday speech?: Yes, if you are talking about apps, gadgets, or tech promises. It is common in news and online discussions.