iteration
it-uh-RAY-shun
/ˌɪtəˈreɪʃən/
The repetition of a process or a particular version of a product, often with the goal of making incremental improvements.
Iteration implies a cycle of 'build, measure, learn' where each version is slightly better than the last.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'iterum', meaning 'again', it originally referred to saying something a second time. In the computer age, it became the standard term for loops and repetitive cycles in code and design.
Word relationships
- version: A version is a specific state of a product; an iteration is the act of repeating the process to get there.
- refinement: Refinement is the act of improving; iteration is the cyclic process of doing so.
- stagnation: Stagnation is the lack of change or progress, whereas iteration is constant movement.
Commonly confused with
- repetition: Repetition is doing the same thing again; iteration is doing it again to improve it.
Word family
- iterate (verb): To perform or utter repeatedly.
- iterative (adjective): Involving repetition.
Collocations
- latest iteration
- next iteration
- iterative process
- rapid iteration
Example sentences
- "The app is currently in its fourth iteration, with several bugs fixed since the last release." Software Development
- "Design is an iterative process that requires constant feedback and revision." Design Thinking
Memory hook
Think of 'It' + 'Erase' + 'Again'. You do it, erase the mistakes, and do it again. Again and again, but better.
When not to use
Do not use for simple repetition that doesn't involve change or improvement.
Fun facts
- In mathematics, an iteration is the act of repeating a function, using the output of one step as the input for the next.
Explore more words
iterate, incremental, make progress, refine, feedback, innovation
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.