cryptanalysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “cryptanalysis” mean?
The art or process of deciphering coded messages without knowing the key.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The art or process of deciphering coded messages without knowing the key.
The scientific study and analysis of cryptographic systems and ciphers to find weaknesses and extract information from them, often with the goal of breaking encryption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The field is terminology-driven and international.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “cryptanalysis” in a Sentence
cryptanalysis of [cipher/system]cryptanalysis on [data/messages]use cryptanalysis to [break/decipher]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cryptanalysis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will cryptanalyse the captured signals.
- They spent months cryptanalysing the diplomatic cables.
American English
- The agency will cryptanalyze the encrypted files.
- She cryptanalyzed the protocol to find its flaw.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare. Not standard.]
American English
- [Extremely rare. Not standard.]
adjective
British English
- The cryptanalytic breakthrough was kept secret.
- He has formidable cryptanalytic skills.
American English
- Their cryptanalytic capabilities are state-of-the-art.
- A cryptanalytic attack was mounted against the network.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in cybersecurity firms discussing threats to encryption.
Academic
Core term in computer science, mathematics, and history (e.g., Enigma).
Everyday
Virtually never used. The concept might be described as 'codebreaking' or 'hacking'.
Technical
Essential term in cryptography, information security, and signals intelligence.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cryptanalysis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cryptanalysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cryptanalysis”
- Using 'cryptanalysis' to mean the act of creating codes (that's cryptography).
- Pronouncing it as /kraɪpˈtænəlɪsɪs/ (misplaced stress and vowel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cryptography is the art of creating secret codes and ciphers. Cryptanalysis is the art of breaking or analysing them without the key. Together, they form the field of cryptology.
It depends on context and jurisdiction. Analysing one's own systems for security is legal and encouraged. Unauthorised cryptanalysis of others' secure communications is generally illegal.
Strong mathematical skills (especially in number theory, probability, and algebra), logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and often knowledge of computer science are essential.
Yes, machine learning and AI are increasingly used in cryptanalysis to identify patterns and weaknesses in cryptographic systems that might elude human analysts.
The art or process of deciphering coded messages without knowing the key.
Cryptanalysis is usually technical/academic in register.
Cryptanalysis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪptəˈnæləsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪptəˈnæləsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly. The field is too technical for common idioms.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CRYPT (hidden) + ANALYSIS (study) = the study of hidden things (codes).
Conceptual Metaphor
A lockpick for the digital/mathematical lock of encryption.
Practice
Quiz
Which field is most directly opposite to cryptanalysis?