Agency Dictionary

Feedback

nounPronunciation: /ˈfiːd.bæk/

In Portuguese: Feedback

What does “Feedback” mean?

Information or evaluative reactions returned to a creator regarding a performance, product, or idea.

Etymology

A compound of the verb feed and the adverb back, from the phrase "to feed back". It arose as a technical term of electronics around 1920, for the return of part of the output of a circuit to its input. The howl of a microphone placed near its loudspeaker took the same name in the following decades. The transferred sense, information about the result of a process and then comments returned to the person who did a piece of work, is recorded from the middle of the 20th century.

Usage note

In standard English feedback is a mass noun: "some feedback", "a piece of feedback", not "a feedback" or "feedbacks". The verb is written as two words, to feed back.

Synonyms

response
reaction
comments
criticism
input

Word family

feed
feed back
feedforward

Rhymes with

track
pack
black
stack

Usage examples

As we grow, I want every single reader, follower and subscriber to be able to impact the way we are built with feedback that ought to be listened to.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Buttonnoun: A physical or graphical control element that triggers an immediate action or command when pressed or clicked. In software interfaces, buttons communicate system affordances through visual boundaries and labels.
creativenoun: A person whose profession is to create, such as a designer, a copywriter or a writer. As a noun it is used mostly in the plural, creatives, for the creative professionals of a team or an agency.
briefingnoun: A concise set of instructions or background information provided to guide a project or creative assignment.
diagnosticnoun: An analytical determination or judgment identifying the underlying nature, cause, or source of a problem.
recipientnoun: The person who receives something. In communication, the one to whom a message is addressed and who interprets it, as opposed to the sender who composes it.
Superfluousadjective: Exceeding what is sufficient, necessary, or useful.
Typographynoun: The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. It encompasses typeface selection, point size, line spacing, tracking, and spatial kerning.
iconnoun: A simplified image that represents a thing by resembling it. In semiotics, a sign that signifies through likeness; in digital interfaces, a small picture that stands for an object or a function.
Screennoun: A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
JPEGnoun: A raster image file format that compresses photographs by discarding detail the eye barely notices. It produces small files, at the cost of some quality each time the image is saved.
stakeholdernoun: A person or group with an interest in a project or an organization and affected by its results, such as clients, managers, investors or users.

Also from these editions: terms

Characternoun: A metal block engraved with a letter used in letterpress printing, as well as the intrinsic moral quality and strength of a person.
Accuracynoun: The degree of precision, correctness, and exactitude with which a message or action reaches its intended mark.
Frequencynoun: The regular rate at which an event occurs or a message is transmitted over a designated period.
CPMnoun: An acronym for cost per mille, representing the advertising cost of delivering one thousand audience impressions.
Equationnoun: A complex statement or problem involving balancing multiple interdependent factors, variables, or meanings.
slogannoun: A memorable, catchy phrase used in marketing, politics, or advocacy to encapsulate a core message.
Consumernoun: An individual or group that acquires, purchases, or consumes physical or commercial goods and services for personal use. In marketing, consumers are studied for purchasing patterns and brand preferences.
Undeniableadjective: Manifestly true, valid, or high in quality to the point where it cannot be disputed, overlooked, or questioned.
Matrixnoun: An enclosing medium, grid, or systemic web of cultural and algorithmic conventions that shapes perceptions.
Singularitynoun: The state, condition, or distinct quality of being singular, remarkable, and uniquely individual.
Anesthetizingadjective: Producing numbness, insensibility, or temporary relief from pain and critical awareness. In media studies, it describes content that pacifies audiences into mindless consumption.
Hookahnoun: A traditional water pipe of Middle Eastern origin used for smoking specially prepared flavored tobacco.