automation

American  

[aw-tuh-mey-shuhn] / ˌɔ təˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the technique, method, or system of operating or controlling a process by highly automatic means, as by electronic devices, reducing human intervention to a minimum.

2. a mechanical device, operated electronically, that functions automatically, without continuous input from an operator.

3. act or process of automating.

4. the state of being automated.

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automation British  

/ ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. the use of methods for controlling industrial processes automatically, esp by electronically controlled systems, often reducing manpower

2. the extent to which a process is so controlled

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Other Word Forms

• proautomation adjective

Etymology

Origin of automation

First recorded in 1945–50; autom(atic) ( def. ) + (oper)ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Reputation matters. Context matters. I don’t know that can be fully replicated by automation.”

From Los Angeles Times

There is no computer automation and anything that moves is moved manually, said associate director Jenny Slattery, pointing out the theater’s antiquated hand winches that control a mobile throne.

From Los Angeles Times

He pushes back on the argument that we’ll ride through this automation as we always have in the past.

From The Wall Street Journal

With 34,000 jobs lost across the financial activities and information sectors in January, there is some evidence of automation beginning to hit white-collar workers.

From Barron's

Getting there will depend on growing higher-profit businesses, such as healthcare and aerospace, as well as squeezing out more costs through network simplification and automation.

From Barron's

Related Words

• computerization
• industrialization
• mechanization