garbage in, garbage out

Cultural

This saying points out the fact that a computer can do only what it is programmed to do and is only as good as the data it receives and the instructions it is given. If there is a logical error in software, or if incorrect data are entered, the result will probably be either a wrong answer or a system crash.

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The saying is sometimes shortened to “GIGO” (GUY-go).

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

The old adage, "garbage in, garbage out" still holds true.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2023

The old wisdom still applies to AI: garbage in, garbage out A lot of this is due to how these systems are programmed.

From The Verge • May 24, 2022

As the programmers put it, garbage in, garbage out.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2018

Not only that, but there’s the garbage in, garbage out factor.

From Washington Times • Oct. 10, 2016

Uh, hello – the computer industry has had a term for this for many years: it’s known as garbage in, garbage out.

From Forbes • Nov. 3, 2014

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