Definition of adware
adware 
noun - uncountable
- legitimate software that is free to use, but displays advertising.
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
Last edited on Nov 12 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.
- bad software ("malware") that exists only to display unwanted advertisements.
His computer was full of adware. I had to reinstall his OS from scratch.
Last edited on Dec 07 2011. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Apr 26 2011.
| + | Add a definition for this slang term |
More info: |
Share
E-mail
Related words
Slang terms with the same meaning
Other terms relating to 'computer slang': | |
| Definitions include: "nothing much". | |
| Definitions include: to play with a Hacky Sack (footbag.) | |
| Definitions include: an underpowered computer. | |
| Definitions include: short for "gangster" or "gangsta." | |
| Definitions include: a person who causes others great distress for personal satisfaction, usually in computer games. | |
| Definitions include: an attractive person. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "go fuck yourself". | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "be right there". | |
| Definitions include: to vomit. | |
| Definitions include: the breakage of links on the web as their targets disappear. | |
| Definitions include: From a popular image created in 2002 that circulated the web. | |
| Definitions include: to work on a pre-existing problem, program, or piece of source code. | |
| Definitions include: product(s) announced far before any release (even beta) has been made. | |
| Definitions include: a metaphorical computer network for data transfer. | |
| Definitions include: a pejorative term for both the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), likening them to the mafia. | |
Slang terms with the same root words
Other terms relating to 'software': | |
| Definitions include: software still under copyright, but which is no longer distributed, sold, or supported. | |
| Definitions include: a type of shareware that interrupts use of the software to display a message asking the user to "register" the software (i.e. pay for it.) | |
| Definitions include: computer software that occupies too many resources due to its preponderance of features. | |
| Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity. | |
| Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity. | |
| Definitions include: software that has had features disabled to entice people to upgrade to a for-pay or more expensive version. | |
| Definitions include: "Freeware" was originally the trademark of "PC-Talk" author Andrew Fluegelman. | |
| Definitions include: shareware that uses guilt to encourage users to pay the "registration" cost. | |
| Definitions include: software that does bad things. | |
| Definitions include: shareware software that nags the user if it hasn't yet been purchased. | |
| Definitions include: a type of shareware that only requires users to send a postcard to the author in order to purchase it. | |
| Definitions include: software that is free to share with others and is - at least initially - free to use. | |
| Definitions include: software that was purchased or written, but never used. | |
| Definitions include: low-quality software. | |
| Definitions include: software delivered in physical form. | |
| |
How common is this slang?
| I use it | (10) |  |
|
| No longer use it | (0) | |
|
| Heard it but never used it | (5) | |
|
| Have never heard it | (2) | |
|
How vulgar is this slang?
Average of 7 votes: 20% (See the most vulgar words.)
| Least vulgar |
|
Most vulgar |
Your vote: None (To vote, click the pepper. Vote how vulgar the word is – not how mean it is.)
| Least vulgar |
|
Most vulgar |
Where is this slang used?
Logged-in users can add themselves to the map. Login, Register, Login instantly with Facebook.
Link to this slang definition
To link to this term in a web page or blog, insert the following.
<a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/adware">adware</a>
To link to this term in a wiki such as Wikipedia, insert the following.
[http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/adware adware]
Some wikis use a different format for links, so be sure to check the documentation.