technological

technological — adjective

1. describing or belonging to the field of applied science, including computers, ma

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing or belonging to the field of applied science, including computers, machines, and devices that make everyday life or work easier

Example

The company invested heavily in new technological equipment for its factory.

collocation: technological equipment

Kenji's job requires him to stay up to date with the latest technological developments.

collocation: technological developments

Common collocations
  • technological advance / advancement
  • technological change
  • technological development
  • technological innovation
  • technological progress
  • technological revolution
  • technological breakthrough
  • technological equipment
  • technological infrastructure
  • technological solution
  • technological challenge
  • technological age / era
Synonyms
  • technical

    narrower in scope — focuses on specific methods, procedures, or skills within a field rather than the broad application of science

  • high-tech

    more informal and suggests cutting-edge, advanced technology with a modern or futuristic feel

  • digital

    narrower — refers specifically to technology that uses binary data, such as computers and the internet

  • electronic

    refers specifically to devices that use electrical circuits, such as radios and televisions

Antonyms
  • non-technological

    not involving or relating to technology

  • manual

    done by human effort rather than by machines or computers

Grammar Patterns

technological + noun

linking verb + technological

Usage Note

Commonly used before nouns (a technological advance, technological change). Can also appear after linking verbs (The changes were purely technological).

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a technological.
I need to buy a technological device.
technological is an adjective, not a noun; it cannot stand alone as an object.
This phone is very technological.
This phone is very advanced / high-tech.
technological describes the type of thing, not the degree of sophistication; use high-tech or advanced to express impressiveness.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Technological is the broadest term, covering any application of scientific knowledge for practical use. Technical is narrower — it relates to specific methods, skills, or procedures within a field (e.g., technical drawing, technical support). High-tech (or hi-tech) is more informal and suggests cutting-edge, advanced technology with a wow factor (a high-tech gadget). Digital refers specifically to technology that uses binary-coded data (digital camera, digital wallet). Electronic refers to devices that use electrical circuits (electronic piano, electronic ticket). Use technological for general statements about the role of technology in society; use technical for skill- or procedure-related aspects; use high-tech when describing products that feel futuristic or sophisticated.

technical ↗high-tech ↗digital ↗electronic ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • highly technological
  • increasingly technological
  • purely technological
  • essentially technological

Phrases

  • at the forefront of technological change
  • rapid pace of technological development
  • the latest technological advances

Etymology

GreekEnglish

Formed by combining technology (the practical application of scientific knowledge) with the adjective suffix -ical. Technology itself comes from Greek tekhnologia (systematic treatment), from tekhnē (art, craft, skill) and -logia (study or discourse). The adjective technological entered English in the early 1800s, at first referring to the systematic study of industrial arts, and later broadening to its modern meaning.