# feature attribution

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/feature-attribution
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a technique that calculates which input words, pixels, or facts were most responsible for an AI model's final decision.

For teachers: methods that assign numerical importance scores or credit to individual input features based on their contribution to a model's specific prediction.

## Examples

- Feature attribution showed that the credit algorithm rejected the loan primarily due to the applicant's debt ratio.
- Doctors use feature attribution heatmaps to see which regions of an X-ray triggered the pneumonia alert.
- Integrated Gradients guarantees axiomatically sound feature attribution by integrating path gradients from a neutral baseline to the target input.

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