English Reference

Word

inference latency

Definition

compound. the time it takes for an AI model to process information and give you an answer. You want this number to be low so the computer responds quickly.

compound. the duration required for a trained machine learning model to process input data and produce an output prediction. It is a critical performance metric in real-time applications where low-delay responses are necessary.

Examples

“The new chip reduces inference latency significantly.”

“If the inference latency is too high, the self-driving car will not be able to react to obstacles in time.”

“Optimizing the neural network through quantization can effectively minimize inference latency without compromising the overall accuracy of the predictive model.”

Examples

simple

“The new chip reduces inference latency significantly.”

contextual

“If the inference latency is too high, the self-driving car will not be able to react to obstacles in time.”

complex

“Optimizing the neural network through quantization can effectively minimize inference latency without compromising the overall accuracy of the predictive model.”

Usage

typically used in technical contexts regarding software performance and artificial intelligence.

Teaching tip

help learners distinguish this from 'training time'; 'inference' is the act of using the model, while 'latency' is the delay.

Real-World Examples

“Inference latency is the time from submitting a request to an AI model until the model produces a usable output (or the first token in a stream).”
Mirantis · 30 Sept 2026
“Inference latency is the time between when a model receives an input and when it produces an output.”
Telnyx · 7 Sept 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference