# output

/ˈaʊtˌpʊt/ (US) · /ˈaʊtpʊt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. production amount

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the amount of something that a person, machine, or factory produces.

For teachers: the total quantity of goods or services produced by a worker, machine, or organisation within a specific timeframe.

- The factory increased its weekly output by installing new robotic arms.
- Economists noted that industrial output remained stagnant despite the government's efforts to subsidise energy costs for manufacturers.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to a general rate of production.

### 2. computer data

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the information or results that a computer sends out to a screen or printer.

For teachers: the data produced by a computer system or program, typically directed to a peripheral device or another software component.

- The computer output showed an error message because the file was missing.
- The software allows users to redirect the standard output to a text file for further analysis of the system logs.

Usage: Can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific sets of data.

### 3. to produce data

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to show or send out information from a computer.

For teachers: to generate or transmit data from a computational process to an external device or interface.

- The program will output the final results as a PDF document.
- The script is designed to output real-time sensor data directly to the dashboard for the engineering team to monitor.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the data being produced.

## Examples

- The factory increased its daily output by twenty percent.
- The software generates a detailed output file after the data analysis is complete.
- Economists are concerned that the nation's industrial output has remained stagnant despite significant government investment in manufacturing infrastructure and workforce training.

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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.