# singularity

/ˈsɪŋɡjəˈɫɛɹəti/ (US) · /sˌɪŋɡjʊlˈæɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/singularity
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a point where a rule breaks down, or a hypothetical future moment when AI becomes smarter than humans and triggers runaway growth.

For teachers: a mathematical point where a function is undefined or infinite; in technological futurism, a hypothetical event horizon triggered by recursive self-improving artificial superintelligence.

## Examples

- At the center of a black hole lies a gravitational singularity where physics equations break down.
- Futurists often debate whether a technological singularity will occur within our lifetimes.
- In loss surface geometry, an isolated parameter singularity can cause training dynamics to decelerate sharply along degenerate manifold valleys.

## Usage notes

- The noun is often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the hypothetical moment of artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence.

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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.