Vocabulary · 37 words
TOEIC Vocabulary: Technical areas (37 Words with Examples)
Technical texts are about computers, software, equipment and IT support. They stay at the level of an ordinary office user.
Free extract from the Noto Tracks TOEIC course
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| install | verb | to put in software or equipment so it works | IT will install the update tonight. |
| upgrade | noun / verb | (to) improve to a newer version | We are upgrading all laptops this month. |
| software | noun | programs used by a computer | The accounting software is easy to use. |
| compatible | adjective | able to work together | The app is compatible with most phones. |
| malfunction | noun / verb | (to) fail to work correctly | A malfunction stopped the scanner. |
| troubleshoot | verb | to find and fix a problem | The guide explains how to troubleshoot errors. |
| technician | noun | a person who repairs or maintains equipment | A technician will visit on Wednesday. |
| network | noun | connected computers | The network will be down for one hour. |
| password | noun | a secret word to access a system | Change your password every 90 days. |
| database | noun | an organized collection of digital data | Customer details are stored in the database. |
| back up | phrasal verb | to make a copy of data | Back up your files before the update. |
| device | noun | a piece of electronic equipment | Connect up to three devices to one account. |
| user manual | noun phrase | a book of instructions | The user manual is available online. |
| outage | noun | a period with no power or service | The power outage lasted two hours. |
| access | noun / verb | (the ability) to enter or use | Staff can access e-mail from home. |
| download | verb | to copy data from the internet to a device | Please download the latest version of the app before the training session. |
| login | noun | the details used to enter a computer system | Your login will be sent to your company email address on your first day. |
| wireless | adjective | working without cables | Wireless internet access is available in every meeting room. |
| modem | noun | a device that connects a computer to the internet | The technician replaced the modem to fix our slow internet connection. |
| hacker | noun | a person who illegally enters computer systems | The bank upgraded its security after hackers attempted to access customer accounts. |
| spam | noun | unwanted email sent to many people | The new email filter blocks most spam before it reaches your inbox. |
| webpage | noun | a single page on a website | Details about the product recall are posted on our support webpage. |
| programmer | noun | a person who writes computer software | The startup is hiring two programmers to build its online booking system. |
| developer | noun | a person or company that creates software | Our developers are fixing the error that prevents users from saving files. |
| hardware | noun | the physical parts of a computer system | The IT budget covers both new hardware and software licenses. |
| battery | noun | a device that stores electric power | The battery in this tablet lasts about ten hours on a single charge. |
| adapter | noun | a device that connects two different parts | You will need an adapter to connect your laptop to the projector. |
| plug | verb | to connect a device to an electrical supply | Plug the printer into the outlet near the window before turning it on. |
| unplug | verb | to disconnect a device from the power supply | Please unplug all computers before the electricians start work on Saturday. |
| activate | verb | to make something start working | Call the help desk to activate your new security badge and email account. |
| bug | noun | an error in a computer program | A bug in the payroll software caused some payments to be delayed. |
| circuit | noun | a path through which electricity flows | An overloaded circuit caused the power failure in the server room. |
| archive | verb | to store old records or data | Emails older than two years are archived automatically to save storage space. |
| delete | verb | to remove data from a computer | Do not delete any client files without permission from your supervisor. |
| customize | verb | to change something to suit a user's needs | Users can customize the dashboard to display their most important reports. |
| videoconference | noun | a meeting held by video over the internet | The weekly videoconference with the Tokyo office starts at 8 a.m. |
| electrician | noun | a worker who installs and repairs electrical systems | An electrician will repair the lighting in the parking garage tomorrow. |
Collocations: install an update · reset a password · contact technical support · experience technical difficulties · be down for maintenance.
Read: "The company website will not be available from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday."
Answer: "An online service will be temporarily inaccessible." — will not be available = inaccessible; website = online service.
Extra words from the TOEIC Service List (TSL 1.2) by Browne, Culligan & Phillips, newgeneralservicelist.com. Meanings and example sentences by Noto. This word list is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Other vocabulary topics
- Corporate development36
- Dining out36
- Entertainment36
- Finance and budgeting38
- General business: contracts, negotiations, marketing, sales, warranties, conferences40
- Health36
- Housing and corporate property37
- Manufacturing36
- Offices36
- Personnel38
- Purchasing: ordering, shipping, invoices37
- Travel37
- Confusable words
- Word families
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