Word
Definitions
01computer programs
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing
n. the programs and apps you use on a computer or phone, like a web browser or a game.
n. the non-physical components of a computer system, consisting of encoded instructions and data that direct the hardware to perform specific operations.
日本語:ソフトウェア※
“You need to update your antivirus software to keep your computer safe.”
“The company invested heavily in custom software to streamline their logistics and reduce manual data entry errors.”
Usage
Always uncountable; takes a singular verb and cannot be preceded by 'a' or 'an'.
Pitfall
I need to install some new softwares on my laptop.
I need to install some new software on my laptop.
Software is uncountable; do not add an 's' to make it plural. Use 'pieces of software' if you need to count them.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02military personnel
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical
n. the people who fight in a war, rather than the machines and weapons they use.
n. the human element in a military or organizational context, contrasted with the mechanical equipment or 'hardware'.
“The general argued that the army's software—its soldiers—was more important than its tanks.”
“Strategic analysts often emphasize that superior hardware is ineffective without the necessary software, referring to the training and morale of the troops.”
Teaching tip
This is a specialized metaphorical use; in everyday English, 'software' almost exclusively refers to computers.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “software” in context.
Noun
01. presentation software
“I used presentation software to create slides for my history project.”
noun + noun
02. software system
“The company is upgrading its software system to improve security and speed.”
noun + noun
Etymology
From soft + -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself”). Coined by John Tukey in 1958.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
Domains
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/software
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR