feedback loop

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A situation in which the result of a process affects the process itself, so the effect repeats or grows.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a feedback loop' or 'feedback loops'.

   Patterns

   • a feedback loop
   • create a feedback loop
   • a positive/negative feedback loop

   When students get quick marks, they study harder, which creates a positive feedback loop.

   The microphone and speaker formed a feedback loop that made a loud whistling noise.

   Climate scientists study feedback loops such as melting ice causing more warming.

2. 2nouncountablebusiness

   A system or process in which information about performance is sent back to improve the next performance.

   Grammar: Often used in business or education for a cycle of review and improvement.

   Patterns

   • set up a feedback loop
   • close the feedback loop
   • a feedback loop between A and B

   The company built a feedback loop between customers and designers.

   A good feedback loop helps teachers adjust their lessons.

Word forms

Common combinations

positive feedback loop

A positive feedback loop can make a small change grow very large.

negative feedback loop

A negative feedback loop keeps the temperature steady.

create a feedback loop

The new app creates a feedback loop between users and developers.

break the feedback loop

They tried to break the feedback loop of rising prices and higher wages.

Synonyms and how they differ

cycle

A cycle is any repeating series of events; a feedback loop specifically means the output affects the input.

vicious circle

This is used for a bad feedback loop that makes a problem worse, often in everyday speech.

Word family

feedback noun

Comments or information about how well something is working.

loop noun

A shape or process that goes around and returns to the start.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “feedback loop”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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