# partition tolerance

CEFR C2 · Compound

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

## Definition

the ability of a computer network to keep working even if some parts cannot talk to each other. It is a key part of how large websites stay online when there are technical problems.

For teachers: the capacity of a distributed system to continue operating despite the loss or delay of messages between nodes. It is one of the three components of the CAP theorem, which states that a system can only provide two out of three guarantees: consistency, availability, and partition tolerance.

## Examples

- Modern cloud databases must have partition tolerance to stay online.
- Because the system has high partition tolerance, users in Europe could still access the site even when the connection to the American servers failed.
- Engineers often prioritise partition tolerance in distributed architectures to ensure that a network failure does not result in a complete system outage, even if it means temporary data inconsistency.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of the CAP theorem in computer science.

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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.