feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source

also : the information so transmitted

b

: the partial reversion (see reversion sense 3a) of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

2

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

3

: a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (such as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

Example Sentences

The company uses customer feedback to improve its products.

He asked for some feedback from his boss.

The computer makes adjustments based on feedback from the sensors.

We were getting some feedback from the microphone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Using the feedback, the machine learns to predict whether humans will find its responses useful. —Joella Carman, NBC News, 17 May 2023

Next, Lab experts and consumer testers tried out various menstrual disc styles at home to compare their ease of use, comfort and overall performance to provide us with firsthand feedback. —goodhousekeeping.com, 16 May 2023

Despite that lackluster feedback, Muller’s song is heading for its first U.K. top 10 appearance, and should handsomely beat its No. 30 peak, set in March of this year. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 15 May 2023

Throughout the series, Ramsay gave some of his trademark harsh feedback to restaurateurs. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023

The meetings have been held to present information and gather public feedback on the Lake Michigan lake trout population and the prospect of opening it to commercial netting in the Wisconsin waters of the lake. —Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 13 May 2023

Public feedback on the plan can be submitted online at st.news/parkplanning through June 11, 2023. —oregonlive, 12 May 2023

Once knowledge is surfaced, the human in the loop can review and provide feedback — not just the simple thumbs up or thumbs down but also by adding their experiences to improve the surfaced knowledge. —Forrester, Forbes, 5 May 2023

Today, the home-sharing giant released more than 50 new features and upgrades based on community feedback. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing feedback

• negative feedback
• feedback inhibition
• positive feedback

• negative feedback
• feedback inhibition
• positive feedback

Kids Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process

b

: noise resulting from the feedback of an amplified or broadcast signal

2

: the giving or sending of information or of something from which information can be obtained about the value, effect, or result of an action or process to the controlling source

also : the information or information-containing material so given or sent

Medical Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

: the return to the input of part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

2

a

: the partial reversion of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

b

: the return to a point of origin of evaluative or corrective information about an action or process

patient feedback was solicited

also : the information so transmitted