hacker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hacker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who engages in computer programming or network security, often with a connotation of skill or expertise, sometimes in a negative context. Example: "The hacker managed to breach the security system and access sensitive data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This will stop the hacker seeing anything useful as it will all be garbled nonsense passing over the network.

The Guardian - Tech

"Silicon Valley is only an hour away, so a lot of that hacker culture winds up in Sacramento, because it's cheaper to live there, and you can commute back and forth," Bannon says of the attraction of the darknet for the city's musicians.

The Guardian - Music

Now he's back and in charge of a rogue hacker, an action man, an expert pilot and an inseparable pair of genius scientists.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If it turns out they are a state hacker, should individuals or business owners be concerned if they're American?

The Guardian - Tech

"The original hacker ethic was, you can do what you like as long as you don't hurt anyone else.

The Guardian - Tech

For now, the Open Wireless Router software is an "experimental hacker alpha release" that only works on on router, the Netgear WNDR3800 hub.

The Guardian - Tech

Buzz is building for Ratter, filmed from the viewpoint of a hacker who takes control of a young woman's phone and laptop ("bracingly effective", says the Hollywood Reporter).

The Guardian - Film

The story is a future-noir thriller along the lines of Bladerunner, following a female cyborg detective on the trail of a mysterious hacker.

The Guardian - Film

Swartz was a hacker, in the old internet sense of the word.

The Guardian - Tech

Here's one of his top tips: treat governments and criminals just the same, and don't expect them to waste their most treasured hacker tools on you unless you're a genuinely tasty target.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's obvious that this was a hooligan hacker prank," the presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on the radio station Ekho Moskvy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hacker" in a positive light, clarify with terms like "ethical hacker" or "white hat hacker" to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "hacker" without qualification when describing someone using their skills for good. The term often carries a negative connotation. Instead, specify their intent by using "ethical hacker" or describing their role as a security professional.

Linguistic Context

The noun "hacker" primarily functions as a subject or object within sentences, identifying an individual skilled in computer systems, often with implications of unauthorized access or manipulation. Ludwig AI supports this through various examples showing diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hacker" carries a dual meaning, referring either to a skilled computer expert or someone who uses their skills for unauthorized access and potentially malicious purposes. As Ludwig AI indicates, context is crucial. To avoid ambiguity, specify intent with terms like "ethical hacker" or "cybercriminal". News and business contexts frequently employ the term, highlighting its prevalence in discussions about cybersecurity and technology. It's important to qualify your usage to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cracker

Specifically refers to someone who breaks into computer systems, often used synonymously with "hacker" in a negative context.

ethical hacker

Specifically denotes a hacker who uses their skills for defensive purposes with authorization.

cyber intruder

Emphasizes the unauthorized access aspect, typically with malicious intent.

cybercriminal

Highlights the criminal aspect of hacking, focusing on illegal activities performed using computer systems.

cybersecurity expert

Focuses on the defensive aspects of computer security, emphasizing expertise rather than potential malicious intent.

security penetration tester

Describes a professional who tests systems for vulnerabilities.

cybersecurity analyst

Someone who analyzes security threats and implements security measures.

information security specialist

A professional focused on securing information systems.

vulnerability researcher

An individual who looks for weaknesses in computer systems.

computer programmer

Broader term describing someone who writes code, without the implication of security expertise or malicious intent.

FAQs

What is the difference between a "hacker" and a cracker?

While the term "hacker" can refer to someone with advanced computer skills, a "cracker" specifically uses those skills for illegal or malicious activities, like breaking into systems.

What are some alternatives to the word "hacker"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "cybersecurity expert", "ethical hacker", or "cybercriminal".

Is it always negative to call someone a "hacker"?

Not necessarily. The term "hacker" can also describe someone with advanced programming skills who enjoys exploring and understanding computer systems. However, it's important to be aware of the potential negative connotations and clarify intent when necessary.

What does "white hat hacker" mean?

A "white hat hacker" is an ethical hacker who uses their skills to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks to improve security, often with the permission of the system owner.