Feedback
/ˈfiːdbæk/
Definitions
3 meaningsInformation about reactions to a product, a person's performance of a task, etc. used as a basis for improvement.
/ˈfiːdbæk/
Information about a reaction to a product, a person's performance, or task.
The company values customer feedback on their services.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake. Feedback is like getting a note from your friends saying, 'Hey, the frosting was too sweet!' or 'The cake was amazing!' It's what people tell you about something you did, so you can make it better next time.
👶 For kids: When you ask people what they think about something you did, that's feedback!
More Examples
I received positive feedback on my presentation.
The teacher gave the student detailed feedback on their essay.
We use feedback to improve our product.
How It's Used
"The company solicits customer feedback on its new products."
"Teachers provide feedback on student assignments."
"The software uses user feedback to improve its performance."
The return of a portion of the output of a system to the input, especially when used to regulate the system.
/ˈfiːdbæk/
The engineers implemented a feedback loop in the control system.
💡 Simply: Imagine a thermostat. It senses the temperature and controls the heater. The temperature is the 'output', and when the heater gets turned on or off, that helps to control things, and thats another loop. If the heat becomes too hot, the thermostat acts so that it returns to being at a perfect temperature. This way its output works back around to change the input to the system.
👶 For kids: When something goes back around to help control itself, that's feedback, like a robot that corrects itself.
More Examples
Negative feedback can reduce instability in electronic circuits.
The system relies on feedback mechanisms for stability.
How It's Used
"Negative feedback is used to stabilize amplifier circuits."
"Feedback loops control many biological processes."
A loud, high-pitched squeal or howl produced by a sound system when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker connected to it.
/ˈfiːdbæk/
An unpleasant high-pitched noise made by a sound system.
The band had to adjust the speakers to prevent feedback.
💡 Simply: Ever been to a concert where the microphone made a really loud, annoying screeching sound? That's feedback. It's like when the sound goes around in a circle and gets amplified, causing a nasty noise.
👶 For kids: A loud, high-pitched noise that happens when a microphone is too close to a speaker.
More Examples
The feedback from the microphone was distracting.
There was terrible feedback during the concert.
How It's Used
"The microphone picked up feedback and caused a loud screech."
"Guitar players sometimes intentionally create feedback for artistic effect."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
positive feedback
Information that indicates approval or encouragement.
"The employee received positive feedback on their performance."
negative feedback
Information that indicates criticism or disapproval.
"The manager gave negative feedback about the project's progress."
From "feed" (to supply) + "back" (return). Originally referred to the return of a portion of the output signal to the input in electronic systems. Later extended to other areas like communication and performance evaluation.
The term 'feedback' initially appeared in the early 20th century in the context of electronics. It was later adopted in fields like management, education, and communication to describe the flow of information to make changes or improvements.
Memory tip
Think of a boomerang – it goes out and comes back, just like feedback!
Word Origin
"The action of supplying or delivering a portion of the output to the input."