# memory leak

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/memory-leak
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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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.