WordGarden.iofeedback
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈiːdbæk/
US
- /ˈfidˌbæk/
Meanings
Noun
comments or information about how someone or something is doing
a system loop where output is returned as input, often affecting the result
Verb
to give comments or information in response to something
Beyond the definition
Feedback is the information we get about how well we're doing something. It's like a signal telling us what's working and what isn't. Imagine you're learning the guitar; your teacher's tips on finger placement are feedback. Or think of baking a cake: tasting it and deciding whether it needs more sugar is a kind of feedback too.
Feedback can be positive ("Great job!") or constructive (pointing out areas for improvement). It's essential for growth, whether you're learning a new skill, working on a project, or simply trying to understand how others perceive you. A politician carefully watches public feedback after making a speech to gauge its reception. Sometimes, electronic devices give us feedback too—like the squeal you hear when a microphone is too close to a speaker!
Feedback is information about reactions to a product, a person's performance, or anything else that allows for evaluation and change. It's a crucial part of communication, learning, and improvement. Think of it as an echo—what you put out into the world comes back to you in some form, giving you insight into its impact.
Feedback isn't always verbal; it can be non-verbal too. A frown on someone's face while you tell a joke is feedback, even if they don't say anything. In engineering, "feedback loops" are used to control systems—like a thermostat adjusting the temperature based on readings from a sensor.
The term originated in acoustics and electronics, referring to the return of a portion of the output signal back to the input. However, it has been widely adopted across many fields. A chef relies on customer feedback to refine their recipes. A writer seeks feedback from editors to improve their manuscript. A company uses customer surveys for product development.
However, giving effective feedback is an art. It's most helpful when it is specific, honest, and focused on behavior rather than personality. Simply saying "That was bad" isn't useful; explaining why it wasn't effective is. Similarly, receiving feedback with an open mind—even if it's difficult to hear—is key to growth.
So whether you're giving it or receiving it, feedback is an engine of progress—a vital tool for learning, adapting, and achieving your goals.
Examples
- 1
Presentation
I got some useful feedback on my presentation after class.
- 2
Customer research
We asked customers for feedback before changing the design.
- 3
User response
The feedback from users was mostly positive.
- 4
Product changes
Based on customer feedback, we made the buttons larger.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Criticism
Negative feedback can be hard to hear, but it can help you improve.
- 6
App response
The app gives you instant feedback when an answer is wrong.
- 7
Classroom process
In a good lesson, there is a feedback loop between the teacher and the students.
- Phrasefeedback loop
a process where one response affects the next step
- 8
Audio problem
Turn the microphone away from the speakers, or you'll get feedback.
- Domainin audio, feedback
the loud noise made when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- feedbacknoun
Forms
- feedbackspluralnoun