Engineering English
Algorithm
Software Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A finite, step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a computation. It defines an ordered set of operations that transforms input data into a desired output.
Example in context
“We chose a simpler algorithm because it processed the incoming sensor data faster and used less memory.”
“Daha basit bir algoritma seçtik çünkü gelen sensör verilerini daha hızlı işliyor ve daha az bellek kullanıyordu.”
Where engineers use it
Encountered throughout software design, technical interviews, and performance tuning. Engineers select, analyze, and implement algorithms to solve computational problems efficiently, comparing their speed and memory use before committing them to production code.
Practice: can you use “Algorithm” at work?
During a design review, a colleague proposes a brute-force search over a large dataset. Explain what an algorithm is and how you would compare alternatives for this task.
Show a model answer
“This algorithm sorts the records in logarithmic time.”
“Algorithm” in 21 languages
| English | Algorithm |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Algoritma |
| French | Algorithme |
| German | Algorithmus |
| Spanish | Algoritmo |
| Chinese | 算法 |
| Arabic | خوارزمية |
| Portuguese | Algoritmo |
| Russian | Алгоритм |
| Japanese | アルゴリズム |
| Italian | Algoritmo |
| Vietnamese | Thuật toán |
| Hindi | एल्गोरिदम |
| Thai | อัลกอริทึม |
| Indonesian | Algoritma |
| Korean | 알고리즘 |
| Bengali | অ্যালগরিদম |
| Dutch | Algoritme |
| Swedish | Algoritm |
| Finnish | Algoritmi |
| Ukrainian | Алгоритм |
Frequently asked questions
What does Algorithm mean in engineering?
A finite, step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a computation. It defines an ordered set of operations that transforms input data into a desired output. In Software Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Algorithm?
Algorithm is pronounced /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Algorithm used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “We chose a simpler algorithm because it processed the incoming sensor data faster and used less memory.”
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