iteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'iteration' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the process of repeating a set of instructions or the repetition of a process with the aim of approaching a desired goal or target. For example, you can say: "The project has gone through many iterations to ensure accuracy and precision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In smaller ways, unfixed forms abound: was it "irregular" or "irregulous", "iterance" or "iteration", "intrinse" (for "intricate") or "intrinsicate", "unkind" or "kindless", "indurate" or "obdurate"?

The Economist

Mr Fuller says that this will transcend even the iterative model because the iteration will be so fast as to be seamless.

The Economist

Spielberg's planned 3D movie failed to make it to the production stage but the approach for Johansson suggests the new iteration may have legs.

The Guardian - Film

Since the first iteration of Do They Know It's Christmas came out in the 80s, the celeb charity thing has developed a slight whiff about it.

The Guardian - Music

At the same time they would be dealing with queries about the iteration currently in flight.

The Guardian

The current iteration of the character has the alter-ego Carol Danvers, a sometime US Air Force pilot who develops cosmic superpowers including flight, super-strength and "energy projection" after gaining extraterrestrial DNA during an accident on a restricted military base.

The Guardian - Film

Ahead of each fortnightly iteration the BAs would specify the forthcoming fortnight's tasks in much greater detail, sufficient to be implemented.

The Guardian

That's surely something of a letdown for fans who have invested their time and energy into the current iteration.

The Guardian - Film

At times outstripping the viewership of its TV iteration by a factor of 10, the YouTube channel of HBO's Last Week Tonight With John Oliver was perhaps 2014's most reliable source of online video, tackling such potentially bewildering subjects as US state legislatures and Ugandan homophobia with a mix of goofy humour and devastating evidence.

The Guardian - Film

We're well into lockdown territory here: JK Simmons has won every single iteration of this award.

The Guardian - Film

85f5a278-b887-4574-818f-04856765c129 Last night ABC premiered the latest iteration of The Bachelor franchise, Bachelor in Paradise, a brand new show to take the place of their usual late-summer sleazefest Bachelor Pad.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about software development or project management, clarify the scope of each "iteration" to provide context. Mention the goals, deliverables, or changes associated with it.

Common error

Avoid using "iteration" and "repetition" interchangeably. "Iteration" implies a cycle aimed at improvement or refinement, while "repetition" simply means doing something again without necessarily implying progress. Therefore, consider the context carefully to ensure correct usage.

Linguistic Context

The word "iteration" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a single instance of a repeating process or procedure, often with the goal of improvement. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, such as software development and design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "iteration" is a grammatically sound noun widely employed across different professional fields such as news, business, and science, denoting a single cycle in a repetitive process aimed at improvement. Ludwig confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. Common synonyms include "repetition", "cycle", and "version", though the choice depends on the specific context. When using "iteration", it's important to distinguish it from mere "repetition", as it implies a goal-oriented refinement. Usage patterns show high frequency in news and media, as well as formal business settings. Therefore, writers can confidently integrate "iteration" into their vocabulary, especially when precision and technical accuracy are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repetition

Focuses on the act of repeating, rather than a single instance within a process.

development cycle

Specifically refers to the stages of growth or refinement.

cycle

Implies a recurring sequence of events or steps.

revision

Focuses on correcting or improving a previous version.

version

Refers to a specific form or stage of something that is being developed or updated.

round

Suggests a stage or segment within a larger process or activity.

pass

Indicates a single instance of going through a process or activity.

installment

Highlights a part of a series of events or products.

stage

Emphasizes a particular phase in a series of developments or events.

phase

Similar to 'stage', but often implies a more structured progression.

FAQs

How can I use "iteration" in a sentence?

You can use "iteration" to describe a single cycle of a repetitive process. For example, "Each "iteration" of the software update included bug fixes and performance improvements".

What's the difference between "iteration" and "repetition"?

"Iteration" refers to a single cycle in a process that's designed to refine or improve something, whereas "repetition" simply means doing something again. While every "iteration" involves repetition, not every repetition is an "iteration".

What are some synonyms for "iteration"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "repetition", "cycle", "version", or "round".

Is "iteration" a formal word?

"Iteration" is a term used in formal, technical, and academic contexts. While not overly formal, it's more commonly found in professional writing and discussions than in casual conversation. It's frequently seen in areas like software development and project management.