wearable technology
B2-C1Formal to neutral; common in tech, business, health, and consumer contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Electronic devices designed to be worn on the body, often incorporating computing and connectivity features.
A category of smart devices that collect data, provide information, or enhance human capabilities through integration with clothing or accessories.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often shortened to 'wearables'. Implies integration of technology into everyday items (watches, glasses, clothing). Focus is on functionality rather than fashion, though fashion-tech overlap exists.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Wearable tech' is a common informal shortening in both.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with fitness/health tracking in casual US discourse; UK may slightly favour 'wearable tech' over 'wearable technology' in general media.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The rise of ~invest in ~develop ~~ is evolving~ such as smartwatchesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “strapped for data (play on 'strapped for cash')”
- “on-body intelligence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The wearable technology market is projected to grow by 15% annually.
Academic
Studies on the socio-ethical implications of pervasive wearable technology are increasing.
Everyday
My new fitness tracker is a handy piece of wearable technology.
Technical
The wearable technology prototype utilises epidermal electronics for biometric monitoring.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- Wearable technology has become prevalent in healthcare.
- The conference focused on the future of wearables.
American English
- Wearable technology is a major focus at CES.
- Sales of wearables skyrocketed during the pandemic.
adjective
British English
- The wearable technology sector is booming.
- She researches wearable technology applications.
American English
- Wearable technology products are getting smaller.
- He works in wearable tech development.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a wearable technology for counting my steps.
- A smartwatch is wearable technology.
- Wearable technology like fitness bands helps people monitor their health.
- Many jobs now use wearable technology for safety.
- The proliferation of wearable technology raises significant questions about data privacy.
- Advances in battery life are crucial for the next generation of wearables.
- Critics argue that the panoptic potential of ubiquitous wearable technology necessitates robust regulatory frameworks.
- The convergence of biometric sensors and AI in wearable technology is creating new paradigms in personalised medicine.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: WEAR + ABLE. Technology you are ABLE to WEAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGY IS A SECOND SKIN / CLOTHING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите дословно как 'носимая технология' в первом упоминании без контекста. Лучше: 'носимая электроника', 'умные устройства/гаджеты', 'технология носимых устройств'.
- Избегайте кальки 'носибельная технология'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'wearable' as a countable noun for a single device ('a wearable technology') is less common than 'a wearable (device)'.
- Confusing with 'portable technology' (which is carried, not worn).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is LEAST synonymous with 'wearable technology' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a category or field, it's uncountable ('Wearable technology is growing'). Individual items are 'wearables' or 'wearable devices'.
'Smart clothing' is a subset of wearable technology where the tech is fully integrated into the fabric of the garment itself.
Yes, informally as a countable noun (e.g., 'I bought a new wearable'). In formal writing, 'wearable device' or 'wearable technology' is preferred for clarity.
Typically, no. While carried, it is not primarily designed to be worn on the body. Wearables are hands-free or minimally handled (watches, rings, glasses, clothing).