cognitive computing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “cognitive computing” mean?
A subfield of artificial intelligence that attempts to mimic human thought processes—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving—in a computerized model.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subfield of artificial intelligence that attempts to mimic human thought processes—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving—in a computerized model.
A type of computing that uses self-learning algorithms, data mining, pattern recognition, and natural language processing to create systems that can adapt and interact with humans in a more natural, intuitive way, often used in applications like expert systems and decision support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences; the term is used identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with commercial enterprise applications (e.g., IBM Watson) in American tech/business media. In British discourse, it may be framed more within academic computer science or cognitive science research.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cognitive computing” in a Sentence
Noun + verb: Cognitive computing enables...Adjective + noun: Advanced cognitive computingPreposition: advancements in cognitive computingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cognitive computing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- cognitive-computing capabilities
- a cognitive-computing approach
American English
- cognitive-computing capabilities
- a cognitive-computing platform
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to enterprise software solutions that analyze unstructured data to support decision-making, e.g., in customer service or healthcare diagnostics.
Academic
Used in computer science, cognitive science, and engineering papers to describe systems modelling human cognition.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation; might be encountered in popular tech journalism.
Technical
Precise term for systems employing machine learning, NLP, and knowledge representation to simulate human reasoning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cognitive computing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cognitive computing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cognitive computing”
- Using 'cognitive computing' interchangeably with all AI (it's a subset).
- Misspelling as 'cognative computing'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The system cognitives').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a subset of AI focused specifically on simulating human thought processes in a computerized model.
IBM's Watson is a prominent example, used in healthcare for diagnosing diseases or in finance for risk assessment.
It often runs on powerful servers or cloud platforms, but its defining feature is the software approach, not specific hardware.
It is designed to augment and support human decision-making by processing vast amounts of data, not to replace human judgment entirely.
A subfield of artificial intelligence that attempts to mimic human thought processes—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving—in a computerized model.
Cognitive computing is usually technical / academic in register.
Cognitive computing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv kəmˈpjuː.tɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːɡ.nə.t̬ɪv kəmˈpjuː.t̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “This is not just data crunching—it's cognitive computing.”
- “We need a cognitive computing approach to solve this.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COGnitive computing uses its 'COG'nition (like a cog in a brain's gear) to COMPUTE intelligently.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COMPUTER IS A BRAIN / THINKING IS COMPUTATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a key feature of cognitive computing?