Word
racy
US/ˈɹeɪsi/
UK/ɹˈeɪsi/
Definition
adj. describing code that has a race condition, where two or more parts of a program try to change the same data at the same time. This can cause the program to behave in an unexpected or dangerous way.
adj. characterised by a race condition, where the outcome of a program depends on the relative timing of events. Often used in the context of concurrent or parallel programming to describe code that is not thread-safe.
Examples
“The developer found a racy condition in the login system.”
“Because the two threads are accessing the same memory address without a lock, the code is racy and may crash under heavy load.”
“While the single-threaded version of the algorithm worked perfectly, the multi-threaded implementation was racy, leading to inconsistent data states that were difficult to reproduce during testing.”
Examples
simple
“The developer found a racy condition in the login system.”
contextual
“Because the two threads are accessing the same memory address without a lock, the code is racy and may crash under heavy load.”
complex
“While the single-threaded version of the algorithm worked perfectly, the multi-threaded implementation was racy, leading to inconsistent data states that were difficult to reproduce during testing.”
Real-World Examples
“One of them is Soi 6, which runs down to the main beach, and is known for its concentration of racy go-go bars.” “He is now more like the nun with a racy past who lectures the rest of the convent about the meaning of sex: not much fun for anyone.” Etymology
From race (“having a characteristic taste (of wines, fruits, etc.)”) + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/racy