vaporware

[ vey-per-wair ]

noun

1. Computer Slang. a product, especially software, that is promoted or marketed while it is still in development and that may never be produced.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaporware¹

vapor + -ware

Example Sentences

Indeed, some of the stations may wind up as nothing more than vaporware, finding themselves shelved before they’re built if the market doesn’t develop or the manufacturing price climbs too high.

From Time

While reporting for this guide, more than one blockchain expert warned me of people pitching vaporware and selling false promises to an extent that I’ve never seen before.

From Digiday

It’s about building a holistic ecosystem and not just building vaporware.

From Essence.com

A tentative departure for 7:40 a.m. was put up—but that was clearly vaporware.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• application
• application software
• program