hack

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean "to gain unauthorized access to a system or computer." For example, "The hacker managed to hack into the company's mainframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The youth had a bread knife in his hand and once up beside the vehicle, oblivious to the jets of water directed at him, started to hack away at the tyres.

The Guardian

Working from right to left, I crouch down and use a sickle to hack through the tall grasses.

The Guardian

And with that, he prepares to hack it to bits.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We decided to "hack" our Fantastic Services cars – namely redesigning the interior to fit in more staff and more equipment.

The Guardian

Security or password reset questions: this is one of the easiest ways to hack an account.

The Guardian

And, as Wired recently reported, for example, medical gear in hospitals is stunningly easy to hack.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now they have lost their credibility with the cybersecurity industry, which has realised that they have broken their implicit promises about what they would not hack.

The Guardian - Tech

Apple has insisted it did not work with the NSA to create a way to hack into iPhones.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.13pm BST22 13 56 min: A loose pass from Schweinsteiger on the edge of the final third enables Algeria to hack the ball down the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Osborne and David Cameron seized the great bank crash as their chance to hack back the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sullivan pointed to a smart power meter hack investigated by the FBI that could be costing utility firms millions by letting tech-savvy users reprogramme the meter and get energy for free.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hack" in a technical context, be specific about what is being hacked (e.g., "hack a website", "hack a system") to avoid ambiguity. Ensure clarity by specifying the object of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "hack" as a catch-all term for any quick fix or solution. Instead, consider more descriptive alternatives like "optimize", "streamline", or "improve" to convey the specific nature of the solution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hack" is a verb, signifying actions such as gaining unauthorized access to systems or finding clever solutions to problems. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "hack" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from gaining unauthorized access to computer systems to discovering ingenious shortcuts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as shown through numerous examples from reputable sources. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Related terms include "exploit", "breach", and "manipulate", each offering slightly different nuances. When in doubt, consider alternative wording to precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain unauthorized access

Specifies the illegal or improper entry into a system or network.

breach

Highlights the act of breaking through a security measure or defense.

exploit

Focuses on taking undue advantage, often in a skillful or underhanded way.

manipulate

Implies skillful control or influence, sometimes in a deceptive manner.

chop

Emphasizes the action of cutting something roughly or violently.

workaround

Suggests finding a way to overcome a problem or limitation.

kludge

Indicates a temporary or makeshift solution, often inelegant.

alter

Focuses on making changes or modifications to something.

modify

Refers to making partial or minor changes to something, typically for a specific purpose.

cough

Relates to the physical act of forcefully expelling air from the lungs.

FAQs

How to use "hack" in a sentence?

You can use "hack" as a verb to mean gaining unauthorized access to a system, as in, "The programmer managed to "hack into" the company's database". Alternatively, it can mean to find a clever workaround.

What can I say instead of "hack"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "hack" include "exploit", "breach", "manipulate", or "workaround". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to use "hack" to describe a life improvement tip?

Yes, "hack" can be used informally to describe a tip or trick that makes life easier or more efficient, such as a "life hack". However, be mindful of your audience and the formality of the context.

What's the difference between "hack" and "exploit"?

"Hack" often implies unauthorized access or modification, while "exploit" refers to taking advantage of a vulnerability or weakness. Although they can overlap, "exploit" often carries a more negative connotation.