hackers

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   People who secretly access computers or networks without permission, often to steal data or cause damage.

   Grammar: Plural of 'hacker'; takes a plural verb: Hackers are ...

   Patterns

   • computer hackers
   • hackers break into something
   • a group of hackers

   Hackers stole millions of credit card numbers from the company.

   The website was shut down by hackers for several hours.

   Police arrested a group of hackers who targeted banks.

2. 2nounpluralinformal

   People who are very skilled at using computers and writing programs, sometimes as a hobby or job.

   Grammar: Plural of 'hacker'; used in a neutral or positive way in tech communities.

   Patterns

   • a community of hackers
   • hackers work on something

   A group of hackers met online to improve the software.

   Many hackers enjoy finding creative solutions to coding problems.

Word forms

Common combinations

computer hackers

Computer hackers tried to access the government database.

a team of hackers

A team of hackers was hired to test the security system.

hackers attack

Hackers often attack websites that have weak passwords.

Synonyms and how they differ

cracker

A cracker is specifically someone who breaks into computers with criminal intent; 'hacker' can also mean a skilled programmer without criminal intent.

Word family

hack verb

To secretly access a computer system without permission.

hacking noun

The activity of breaking into computer systems.

Commonly confused: hackers or hacker?

Practice

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