specialized software

Meaning

1. 1noununcountablecomputing

   Computer programs designed for one particular job or industry rather than for general use.

   Grammar: Uncountable: specialized software is expensive; use a piece of for one program.

   Patterns

   • specialized software for something
   • use specialized software

   Architects use specialized software to model buildings in three dimensions.

   The lab needs specialized software to analyze the genetic data.

   A piece of specialized software handles our payroll.

Common combinations

use specialized software

Editors use specialized software to correct colour.

install specialized software

We had to install specialized software before the course.

specialized software for accountants

There is specialized software for accountants that tracks tax rules.

require specialized software

The task requires specialized software and training.

develop specialized software

The firm develops specialized software for hospitals.

Synonyms and how they differ

niche software

Niche software stresses that the market is small, while specialized software stresses the narrow purpose.

dedicated software

Dedicated software is made to do only one task, which is a narrower idea.

professional software

Professional software suggests a high-end tool for experts, but it may still be general purpose.

bespoke software

Bespoke software is written specially for one client, whereas specialized software may be sold to many.

Opposites

Word family

specialize verb

to focus on one area

specialization noun

focus on a particular subject

specialist noun

an expert in one area

software noun

programs that run on a computer

Commonly confused: specialized software or special software?

Practice

Make it your own

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

Explore more words