noun Uncommon

automation

aw-tuh-MAY-shuhn

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Automation (noun) means using machines, computers, or other technology to do tasks that people used to do by hand. Example: “The factory invested heavily in automation to speed up production.”

noun

Using machines, computers, or other technology to do tasks that people used to do by hand.

"The factory invested heavily in automation to speed up production."

"Automation has changed how banks handle everyday transactions."

"Automation means that robots now sort most of the parcels in the warehouse."

How to use automation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGetting machines or software to do a job instead of a human doing it manually.

Common pairings

office automation automation software increase automation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: automations

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The factory invested heavily in _____ to speed up production.

Etymology

Built from automatic plus -ion; the word is credited to Ford executive Delmar S. Harder, who coined it in the 1940s to describe self-operating factory machinery.

· First attested 1940

Class of 1940 automation joined the language around 1940.

acronym asperger bebop butch geronimo

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Synonyms

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mechanization computerization streamlining mechanisation

Related words

optimization computerization mechanization streamlining

Rhymes for automation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What does “automation” mean?

The word “automation” means using machines, computers, or other technology to do tasks that people used to do by hand. In plain terms, getting machines or software to do a job instead of a human doing it manually.

How do you pronounce “automation”?

“Automation” is pronounced aw-tuh-MAY-shuhn (/ˌɔ.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “automation” in a sentence?

Here is “automation” used in a sentence: “The factory invested heavily in automation to speed up production.”

What part of speech is “automation”?

“Automation” is a noun.

Where does the word “automation” come from?

The word “automation” dates back to around 1940. Built from automatic plus -ion; the word is credited to Ford executive Delmar S. Harder, who coined it in the 1940s to describe self-operating factory machinery.

Is “automation” a common word?

“Automation” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between automation and mechanization?

Mechanization refers to replacing human or animal physical labor with machines, while automation goes further by using technology, including computers and software, to control and run processes with minimal human involvement. Automation often includes decision-making or monitoring functions that mechanization does not.

What industries commonly use automation?

Automation is widely used in manufacturing, customer service, data processing, and logistics, wherever repetitive tasks previously done by hand can be handled by machines or software. It is used to increase speed, consistency, and efficiency.

Does automation always mean replacing human workers?

Not necessarily. While automation can replace tasks people used to do by hand, it is often used to handle repetitive or time-consuming work so people can focus on tasks that require judgment or creativity.

Example sentences

Real-world examples showing automation in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.

Automation, workflows and AI agents are routinely conflated, but they differ in who decides what happens next.

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