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Meaning & use

prepackaged software

noun·Academictechnicalcomputing

Last updated

UK/ˌpriːˈpækɪdʒd ˈsɒftweə/
US/ˌpriːˈpækɪdʒd ˈsɔːftwer/

Meanings

  1. noununcountabletechnicalcomputing

    Computer programs that are already written and sold ready to use, rather than made for one customer.

    Grammar: Uncountable: say 'prepackaged software is cheap', not 'a prepackaged software'.

    Patterns

    • buy prepackaged software
    • use prepackaged software for something
    • prepackaged software package

    The company saved money by using prepackaged software instead of building its own system.

    Most small clinics run on prepackaged software for appointments and billing.

    They compared prepackaged software with a custom solution and chose the cheaper option.

  2. nouncountabletechnicalcomputing

    A single ready-made program or set of programs sold as one product.

    Grammar: Countable when you mean one product: 'a prepackaged software' is still odd, so use 'a prepackaged software package'.

    Patterns

    • a prepackaged software package
    • install a prepackaged software package

    We installed a prepackaged software package and were running within an hour.

    The school bought a prepackaged software package for language learning.

Common combinations

off-the-shelf software
Off-the-shelf software is usually cheaper than a custom build.
custom software
Custom software fits their workflow better than anything prepackaged.
prepackaged software package
The vendor shipped a prepackaged software package with training videos.
commercial prepackaged software
Commercial prepackaged software comes with support contracts.

Synonyms and how they differ

off-the-shelf software
The everyday term for the same idea and more common in speech; 'prepackaged software' sounds more formal and businesslike.
commercial software
Focuses on the fact that it is sold, while 'prepackaged software' focuses on the fact that it is already built.

Opposites

custom softwarebespoke software

Word family

package verb
To put something into a form ready for sale or use.
packaged adjective
Already put together and ready to be sold or used.

Commonly confused: prepackaged software or freeware?

prepackaged software vs freeware

Freeware is software you can use without paying; prepackaged software may be free or paid, so the words are not the same.

Practice

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