← All Topics

Technology Vocabulary

Artificial intelligence, automation, digital society, and innovation — high-frequency IELTS vocabulary for all four skills.

Your Progress0/15 words learned
Drill This Topic →
15 words·Band 5: 3Band 6: 4Band 7: 5Band 8: 3

automation

nounBand 5
writingspeakingreading

The use of machines or technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention

“Automation has transformed manufacturing, eliminating many low-skilled jobs.”
industrial automationautomation of jobsincrease automationimpact of automation

artificial intelligence

noun phraseBand 5
writingspeaking

The simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems

“Artificial intelligence is now used to detect diseases earlier than human doctors.”
advances in artificial intelligenceartificial intelligence systemdevelop artificial intelligence

digital divide

noun phraseBand 5
writingreading

The gap between people who have access to modern technology and those who do not

“The digital divide widens inequality between urban and rural communities.”
bridging the digital dividewiden the digital divideglobal digital divide

innovation

nounBand 6
writingspeakingreading

The introduction of new ideas, methods, or technologies that create value

“Continuous innovation is essential for companies to remain competitive in global markets.”
technological innovationdrive innovationfoster innovationinnovation in healthcare

cybersecurity

nounBand 6
writingreading

The protection of computer systems and networks from digital attacks or unauthorised access

“Governments are investing billions in cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure.”
cybersecurity threatstrengthen cybersecuritycybersecurity measurescybersecurity breach

algorithm

nounBand 6
writingreading

A set of rules or instructions followed by a computer to solve a problem or complete a task

“Social media algorithms determine which content users are most likely to see.”
search algorithmalgorithmic biasmachine learning algorithmdevelop an algorithm

data privacy

noun phraseBand 6
writingspeaking

The right of individuals to control how their personal information is collected and used

“Concerns over data privacy have prompted stricter regulations in many countries.”
data privacy lawsprotect data privacydata privacy concernsdata privacy breach

disruptive technology

noun phraseBand 7
writingreading

A technology that significantly alters or displaces an established market or industry

“Ride-hailing apps were a disruptive technology that transformed the taxi industry.”
disruptive technology companyimpact of disruptive technologydisruptive technology sector

machine learning

noun phraseBand 7
writingreading

A type of artificial intelligence that enables systems to learn from data and improve without explicit programming

“Machine learning models are increasingly used to predict patient outcomes in hospitals.”
machine learning modelapply machine learningmachine learning algorithmadvances in machine learning

surveillance

nounBand 7
writingreading

The close monitoring of individuals or groups, often using technology

“Critics argue that government surveillance systems undermine civil liberties.”
mass surveillancesurveillance technologyunder surveillancedigital surveillance

Internet of Things

noun phraseBand 7
writingreading

The network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software that exchange data over the internet

“The Internet of Things enables smart homes to automate heating, lighting, and security.”
Internet of Things devicesconnected via the Internet of Thingsgrowth of the Internet of Things

technological determinism

noun phraseBand 7
writingreading

The theory that technology is the primary driver of social change and development

“Technological determinism is a contested theory — societies shape technology as much as technology shapes societies.”
theory of technological determinismcritique of technological determinism

algorithmic bias

noun phraseBand 8
writingreading

Systematic and unfair discrimination that arises when algorithms reflect human prejudices embedded in training data

“Algorithmic bias in hiring software has been shown to disadvantage minority candidates.”
address algorithmic biasalgorithmic bias in AIdetect algorithmic bias

digital sovereignty

noun phraseBand 8
writingreading

A state or individual's right to control their own digital data, infrastructure, and technology

“Many European nations are pursuing digital sovereignty to reduce dependence on American tech firms.”
national digital sovereigntypursue digital sovereigntydigital sovereignty policy

transhumanism

nounBand 8
writingreading

The belief that humans can transcend biological limitations through science and technology

“Transhumanism raises profound ethical questions about what it means to be human.”
transhumanist philosophytranshumanism movementdebate over transhumanism

Use these words in an essay

Practise this vocabulary on real Writing Task 2 questions about technology and society, with model answers and band-level tips.

IELTS technology and society essay questions →

Explore More Topics

Put your technology vocabulary to the test

Take a focused drill on this topic or use the AI Writing Evaluator to see how well you apply this vocabulary in an essay.