IELTS Vocabulary for Technology Topics

Learn IELTS technology vocabulary with definitions, collocations, examples, and a free downloadable PDF to boost your Writing and Speaking scores.

Introduction to IELTS Technology Vocabulary

Technology is one of the most common themes in the IELTS test, especially in Writing Task 2, Speaking Part 3, and occasionally in the Reading and Listening sections.

Examiners expect you to use a wide range of precise and academic vocabulary to discuss issues such as artificial intelligence, the internet, social media, and modern innovation.

This guide provides a carefully selected IELTS technology vocabulary list. It includes advanced words, collocations, and phrases that will help you express yourself naturally and score highly in lexical resource. You’ll also find sentence examples and a downloadable PDF version at the end for easy practice.

Why Technology Vocabulary Matters in IELTS

  • Frequent topic: Technology appears regularly in exam questions about education, society, or work.
  • Academic tone: Using formal vocabulary (e.g., automation instead of robots doing work) improves your band score.
  • Precision: The right words help you explain advantages, disadvantages, and future impacts clearly.

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1. General Technology Terms

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
Innovation New ideas or methods Innovation drives progress in technology.
Breakthrough Major discovery The vaccine was a medical breakthrough.
Cutting-edge Most advanced stage of development This phone uses cutting-edge design.
Digitalisation Conversion into digital form Banks are moving towards digitalisation.
Upgrade Improvement to a newer version I upgraded my laptop to a faster model.
Outdated No longer modern The software is outdated and slow.
Efficiency Ability to do something well without waste Automation increases efficiency in production.
Advancement Forward movement in progress Technological advancement improves quality of life.
Innovation hub Centre for new ideas Silicon Valley is a global innovation hub.
User-friendly Easy for people to use The new app is very user-friendly.

2. Internet and Communication

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
Connectivity Ability to connect digitally 5G promises faster connectivity.
Bandwidth Amount of data transmitted Streaming uses high bandwidth.
Firewall Security system for networks The firewall blocked suspicious traffic.
Cybersecurity Protection from digital threats Companies invest in cybersecurity.
Online privacy Control of personal data online Online privacy is a global issue.
Social networking Connecting via platforms Social networking changes communication styles.
Information overload Too much information Information overload can cause stress.
Spam Unwanted digital messages My inbox is full of spam.
Encryption Securing information Banking apps use encryption.
Streaming Playing digital media online Streaming services are popular worldwide.

3. Artificial Intelligence and Automation

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
Artificial intelligence Simulated human thinking AI powers voice assistants.
Machine learning Improving with data experience Machine learning detects spam emails.
Automation Tasks done by machines Automation reduces human error.
Algorithm Set of computer rules Search engines use complex algorithms.
Neural network Computer system modelled on the brain Neural networks process images.
Chatbot AI programme for conversation Websites use chatbots for support.
Predictive analytics Using data to forecast Predictive analytics helps businesses.
Ethical implications Moral effects of technology AI raises ethical implications.
Big data Extremely large data sets Big data drives marketing decisions.
Facial recognition Identifying people with AI Airports use facial recognition systems.

4. Education and Technology

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
E-learning Studying online using digital resources E-learning platforms are widely used in universities.
Virtual classroom Online space for live teaching Students joined the virtual classroom via Zoom.
Digital literacy Ability to use digital tools effectively Digital literacy is now essential for students.
Distance learning Learning without being physically present Distance learning increased during the pandemic.
Blended learning Mix of online and face-to-face learning Many schools adopt blended learning strategies.
Learning management system (LMS) Software for delivering and tracking courses Moodle is a popular LMS.
Gamification Applying game-like features in education Gamification motivates learners with rewards.
Interactive platform Digital system that allows participation Kahoot is an interactive platform for quizzes.
Educational apps Software designed for learning Duolingo is one of the most popular educational apps.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Free/low-cost courses available online MOOCs give global access to education.

5. Workplace Technology

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
Telecommuting Working remotely via internet Telecommuting is common after the pandemic.
Cloud computing Storing and accessing data online Cloud computing reduces costs for businesses.
Virtual collaboration Working with others online Virtual collaboration allows global teams to succeed.
Data analytics Analysis of large data sets Data analytics helps companies understand customers.
Productivity tools Software to improve efficiency Teams use productivity tools like Slack.
Automation software Programmes that perform repetitive tasks Automation software saves time in offices.
Digital transformation Adopting digital solutions in work Digital transformation is vital for competitiveness.
Remote working Employment outside the office Remote working became standard in many firms.
Virtual meeting Business meeting held online Virtual meetings save travel time.
Artificial intelligence tools AI used in workplace tasks AI tools assist with recruitment processes.

6. Society and Technology

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
Digital divide Gap between those with and without technology The digital divide is a global concern.
Globalisation Worldwide interconnectedness Technology drives globalisation.
Surveillance Monitoring people’s activities Surveillance cameras are everywhere in cities.
Digital footprint Record of online activity Our digital footprint lasts forever online.
Technological dependency Overreliance on devices Many teenagers suffer from technological dependency.
Cyberbullying Harassment online Cyberbullying affects young people’s mental health.
Digital natives People born into a digital world Digital natives adapt quickly to new apps.
E-waste Electronic waste E-waste is a major environmental issue.
Smart society Community enhanced by technology Smart societies use IoT for efficiency.
Online activism Campaigning via digital platforms Online activism can influence governments.

7. Future and Emerging Technology

Word/Phrase Definition Example Sentence
Nanotechnology Tech on molecular scale Nanotechnology may revolutionise medicine.
Biotechnology Using biology in tech Biotechnology creates new medicines.
Sustainable technology Environmentally friendly innovation Solar panels are sustainable technology.
Smart devices Internet-connected gadgets Smart devices track health data.
Virtual reality (VR) Immersive digital environment VR offers immersive gaming.
Augmented reality (AR) Digital overlays on real world AR apps help with navigation.
3D printing Creating objects from digital designs 3D printing builds prototypes quickly.
Quantum computing Next-level computing power Quantum computing solves complex problems.
Autonomous vehicles Self-driving cars Autonomous vehicles are being tested worldwide.
Space technology Advances for space travel Space technology could enable Mars missions.

Collocations for IELTS Technology Topics

  • Adopt technology (e.g., Schools should adopt new technology to improve learning).
  • Technological advancement (e.g., Technological advancement has improved healthcare).
  • Raise concerns (e.g., AI raises concerns about job security).
  • Rapid development (e.g., Rapid development in technology affects communication).
  • Negative consequences (e.g., Technology can have negative consequences on mental health).

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Example IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe technology has improved our lives, while others think it has created new problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer Using Vocabulary:
Technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits such as improved communication and healthcare through cutting-edge innovations. However, it has also widened the digital divide and created issues of online privacy. In my opinion, while the disadvantages are real, the overall impact of technological advancement remains positive when managed responsibly.

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IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample

Question: How has technology changed the workplace?
Answer: Technology has transformed the workplace by encouraging telecommuting and virtual collaboration. Employees now use cloud computing and productivity tools daily, which has increased efficiency but also created challenges such as information overload.

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Downloadable PDF

Download IELTS Technology Vocabulary PDF here.

Includes the full list of IELTS technology vocabulary with definitions, collocations, and examples for learners to revise offline.

IELTS Tech Vocab PDF

Conclusion

Technology is a key IELTS theme, and strong vocabulary helps you stand out in Writing and Speaking. Use words like automation, digital divide, cybersecurity, and innovation to show lexical range.

👉 Continue your practice with more IELTS Vocabulary guides.

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Glossary

  • Automation (noun): process of using machines to replace human work.
  • Connectivity (noun): state of being connected digitally.
  • Digital divide (noun): inequality in technology access.
  • Virtual reality (noun): computer-generated 3D environment.
  • E-learning (noun): learning through digital resources.

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Comprehension Practice

Questions

  1. What does “digital divide” mean?
  2. True/False: Cloud computing stores files locally on your computer.
  3. Fill in the blank: AI raises ______ about job security.
  4. Name two examples of workplace technology vocabulary.
  5. Which IELTS sections may include technology-related topics?

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Answers

  1. The gap between people with and without access to technology.
  2. False — it stores files online.
  3. Concerns.
  4. Telecommuting, data analytics.
  5. Writing, Speaking, Reading, Listening.