unique identifier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unique identifier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that serves as an identifying mark or characteristic of a particular individual or thing, distinguishing it from others of a similar type. For example, "Each package is labeled with a unique identifier so it can be tracked through the shipping process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Usually they contain a string of text or "unique identifier".

The Guardian - Tech

Every networked device has a unique identifier, called a MAC (Media Access Control) address.

The Guardian - Tech

The DWP declined to talk about Bransky's case, except to say his flat did not have a "unique identifier".

The Guardian - Money

The clue was an Internet Protocol number -- the unique identifier of a particular computer -- not an internet provider address.

The New York Times

(clinicaltrials.gov unique identifier: NCT00769925).

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Universally Unique Identifier.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Every mode has a unique identifier "id".

Journal of Cheminformatics

User ID that is a unique identifier.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Essentially, a piece of content is given a unique identifier.

TechCrunch

All common network protocols assign each computer a unique identifier.

Managing Windows 2000 Network Services Network Services

Most common network protocols assign each computer a unique identifier.

Mission Critical Windows 2000 Server Administration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning a "unique identifier", ensure it is truly unique across the entire system to prevent conflicts or misidentification. Consider using established standards for generating UUIDs or GUIDs for guaranteed uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid assuming that sequentially generated IDs are inherently unique across distributed systems. Implement proper validation and uniqueness constraints to prevent duplicates when merging data from multiple sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unique identifier" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It designates an attribute that distinguishes an item from others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unique identifier" is a noun phrase that serves to distinguish and identify individual items within a system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, primarily in science, news & media, and formal & business contexts. When using "unique identifier", ensure true uniqueness and avoid assumptions about sequential IDs. Related phrases include "distinctive marker" and "specific identification code". Remember to use established standards for generating these identifiers to maintain clarity and avoid conflicts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctive marker

This alternative focuses on the characteristic that sets something apart.

specific identification code

Emphasizes the coding aspect and the specificity of the identification.

exclusive identification

Highlights the exclusivity and singularity of the identification.

individualized tag

Focuses on the tagging aspect, indicating a personalized identifier.

particular ID

A more concise and informal way of saying "unique identifier".

singular ID

Highlights the fact that the ID is one of a kind.

unique designation

Indicates a specific and exclusive assignment.

identifying characteristic

Focuses on the characteristic that serves to identify something.

personal identification number

Implies a number that identifies a person.

distinguishing feature

Emphasizes the characteristic that makes something different.

FAQs

How is a "unique identifier" used in database management?

In database management, a "unique identifier" serves as a primary key to ensure that each record in a table is uniquely identifiable. This allows for efficient data retrieval and prevents data duplication. For example, a customer database might use a customer ID as a "unique identifier".

What are common examples of "unique identifier" in technology?

Common examples of "unique identifier" in technology include MAC addresses for network interfaces, UUIDs (Universally Unique Identifiers) for software components, and ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) for books. These identifiers ensure that each entity is distinct and can be tracked effectively.

Which is correct, "unique identifier" or "specific identifier"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. A "unique identifier" implies that the identifier is one-of-a-kind and distinct across a given scope. A "specific identifier" simply means that the identifier is particular or designated for a certain purpose, not necessarily that it is unique.

What can I use instead of "unique identifier" in technical documentation?

In technical documentation, you can use alternatives such as "distinctive marker", "specific identification code", or "exclusive identification" depending on the context. These options provide different nuances while conveying the same core concept.