English Reference

Word

memory leak

Countable noun

Definition

n. a computer problem where a program uses more and more of the computer's memory without letting it go. Over time, this makes the computer run very slowly or crash because there is no memory left for other things.

n. an undesirable condition where a software program fails to release allocated memory that is no longer needed. This gradual depletion of available system resources typically lead to performance degradation or application failure over time.

Examples

“The app is moving slowly because it has a memory leak.”

“After running the server for forty-eight hours, the developers noticed a significant memory leak that consumed all available RAM.”

“Advanced debugging tools are necessary to identify which specific object reference is causing the memory leak within the application's complex heap structure.”

Examples

simple

“The app is moving slowly because it has a memory leak.”

contextual

“After running the server for forty-eight hours, the developers noticed a significant memory leak that consumed all available RAM.”

complex

“Advanced debugging tools are necessary to identify which specific object reference is causing the memory leak within the application's complex heap structure.”

Usage

Commonly used in technical contexts regarding software engineering and system administration.

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference