iterative

IPA/ˈɪtərətɪv/
KK[ˈɪtɚˌetɪv]IPA/ˈɪtəreɪtɪv/

iterative — adjective

  • iterativepositive
  • more iterativecomparative
  • most iterativesuperlative

1. describing a process in which each repetition uses the result or feedback from t

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describing a process in which each repetition uses the result or feedback from the previous stage to make the next version better or more complete.

Example

The design team used an iterative process to improve the app's user interface over several weeks.

collocation: iterative process

Writing a good essay is an iterative task — you draft, revise, and polish multiple times.

Common collocations
  • iterative process
  • iterative approach
  • iterative method
  • iterative design
  • iterative cycle
  • iterative development
Synonyms
  • repetitive

    suggests simple repetition without improvement; less precise and often negative in tone

  • recurrent

    describes something that happens repeatedly over time, not necessarily with refinement

  • cyclical

    emphasises the circular return pattern rather than the improvement aspect

Antonyms
  • one-off

    done only once with no repetition or revision

  • single-pass

    completed in a single attempt without iteration

Grammar Patterns

iterative + noun (process, approach, method, design, cycle)

Usage Note

Often used in technical or academic contexts such as software development, engineering, design, and research. Typically placed before a noun — e.g. 'iterative process', 'iterative approach', 'iterative method'.

Common Mistakes

The repetitive process improved each time.
The iterative process improved each time.
'repetitive' suggests boring, unchanging repetition; 'iterative' implies building on previous results.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

While 'iterative', 'repetitive', 'recurrent', and 'cyclical' all involve doing something more than once, they differ in meaning. 'Iterative' specifically implies that each repetition builds on the previous one to produce improvement — it is the key term in design, software, and problem-solving. 'Repetitive' often carries a negative connotation of boring, unvarying repetition (e.g. 'repetitive factory work'). 'Recurrent' describes events that happen repeatedly over time, like a recurrent headache or a recurrent theme, without implying progress. 'Cyclical' describes a repeating cycle that returns to a starting point, like seasonal patterns. For example: 'The team used an iterative design process to refine the prototype.' (improving each time) vs. 'The factory job involved repetitive tasks on the assembly line.' (same task each time).

repetitive ↗recurrent ↗cyclical ↗

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Derived from Latin 'iterare' meaning 'to repeat', from 'iterum' meaning 'again'. Entered English in the mid-1800s, originally used in mathematics and logic before spreading to engineering, computing, and general use.