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feedback loop

American  

noun

Computers, Electronics.

  1. the path by which some of the output of a circuit, system, or device is returned to the input.

Etymology

Origin of feedback loop

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The villainy isn’t coordinated, but more like a feedback loop of evil.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The feedback loop that used to play out over days now closes before the press conference ends.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

The researchers also uncovered a feedback loop that links growth hormone to wakefulness.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

The goal is to create a feedback loop within the site to allow for quick improvements, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

External events combined with mob psychology and generated a positive feedback loop.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.