# growth hacking

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/growth-hacking
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way of growing a business very quickly by using creative, low-cost marketing tricks and data. It is often used by new tech companies that do not have much money for traditional ads.

For teachers: a process of rapid experimentation across marketing channels and product development to identify the most efficient ways to grow a business. Typically associated with early-stage startups seeking massive user acquisition on a limited budget.

## Examples

- The startup used growth hacking to get a million users in one month.
- By offering extra storage space to users who invited their friends, the company used growth hacking to expand its user base without paying for ads.
- While traditional marketing focuses on brand awareness and long-term positioning, growth hacking prioritizes scalable, data-driven tactics that produce immediate and measurable increases in conversion rates.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a compound noun; can also be used as a verb ('to growth hack').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.