# malware

/ˈmæɫˌwɛɹ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "My computer has many malwares." but "My computer has a lot of malware." — Malware is uncountable; to refer to specific types, use 'pieces of malware' or 'types of malware'.

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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.