Word
malware
/ˈmæɫˌwɛɹ/
Definition
n. software that is designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It is a general term for things like viruses, worms, and spyware.
n. software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system. Often used as a collective term for various types of malicious code.
Examples
“You should install antivirus software to protect your computer from malware.”
“The company's network was compromised after an employee accidentally downloaded malware from a suspicious email attachment.”
“Sophisticated malware can remain dormant within a system for months, collecting sensitive data before being remotely activated by its creators to launch a coordinated attack.”
Examples
simple
“You should install antivirus software to protect your computer from malware.”
contextual
“The company's network was compromised after an employee accidentally downloaded malware from a suspicious email attachment.”
complex
“Sophisticated malware can remain dormant within a system for months, collecting sensitive data before being remotely activated by its creators to launch a coordinated attack.”
Pitfall
My computer has many malwares.
My computer has a lot of malware.
Malware is uncountable; to refer to specific types, use 'pieces of malware' or 'types of malware'.
Real-World Examples
“At least one misconfigured site is directing visitors, human or AI, to live malware.” “The malware in the Pass-ta-key attacks uses its access to the Google account—and in some cases, the user or device key stored in the TPM—to obtain the secret passkeys.” Etymology
A portmanteau formed from the prefix mal-, derived from the Latin malus meaning bad, and the noun software.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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