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Feedback

FEED-bak /ˈfiːdbæk/

nounB1TOEFL

General

Information about reactions to a product, a person's performance of a task, etc., used as a basis for improvement; (electronics) the modification or control of a process or system by its results or effects.

Implies information that 'feeds back' into a system or person to influence future actions or adjustments.

The story behind the word. The word 'feedback' is a compound that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in engineering and cybernetics. It literally combines 'feed' (to supply, to nourish) and 'back' (return). The idea is that the output or result of a process is 'fed back' into the input, influencing future operations. This concept quickly spread to other fields, including communication and management.

Word relationships

Input: More general, any information put into a system, not necessarily evaluative or corrective.
Critique: A detailed analysis and assessment of something, often with a critical perspective.
Response: A verbal or written answer, but doesn't always imply a corrective purpose.

Silence: Absence of sound or communication.
Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or information.

Commonly confused with

Opinion: 'Feedback' is an opinion given with the intent to improve or inform; 'opinion' is a general belief or judgment.

Collocations

constructive feedback
positive feedback
negative feedback
get feedback
give feedback
customer feedback

Idioms & expressions

feedback loop

Example sentences

"After her presentation, she received constructive `feedback` from her colleagues, which helped her improve for next time." In a professional setting.
"User `feedback` is crucial for identifying bugs and enhancing the features of new software." In product development.
"The loud squealing sound from the microphone was caused by acoustic `feedback`." In audio engineering.

Memory hook

Think of information being `fed back` to you. `Feedback` is information that comes `back` to `feed` your improvement. Feed information back

When not to use

Do not use 'feedback' for mere observation or opinion that isn't intended to inform or improve a process.

Fun facts

The concept of 'feedback loops' is fundamental in control systems, from thermostats to biological processes.
In psychology, 'biofeedback' is a technique where people learn to control involuntary bodily processes by receiving real-time information about them.