shareware

IPA/ˈʃeəweə(r)/
KK[ʃˈɛrwˌɛr]IPA/ˈʃerwer/

shareware — noun

1. programs or applications that a user can try at no cost, but that require paymen

1.nounB2
Definition

programs or applications that a user can try at no cost, but that require payment to keep using after a test period ends.

Example

Gabriel tried a shareware video editor to check if it had the features he needed.

attributive noun: shareware + video editor (software type)

Meera tested the shareware program for two weeks before deciding to purchase the full version.

typical pattern: test shareware + time period + purchase decision

Common collocations
  • shareware program
  • shareware version
  • shareware game
  • shareware tool
  • shareware author
  • shareware developer
Synonyms
  • trialware

    nearly identical in meaning; emphasises the time-limited nature of the trial

  • demo software

    often shorter and with limited features, not necessarily requiring payment afterward

  • evaluation copy

    slightly more formal; used in business software contexts

Antonyms
  • freeware

    completely free, no payment required at any stage

  • open-source software

    free in terms of access to source code, not necessarily free of cost, but the distribution model is fundamentally different

Grammar Patterns

shareware + noun (e.g. shareware program, shareware game)

as shareware (distribute/publish/release as shareware)

Usage Note

Shareware is an uncountable noun in standard English. It is frequently used attributively before other nouns (e.g. 'shareware program', 'shareware version'). Do not confuse with 'freeware', which is completely free with no payment required at any stage, or 'open-source software', where users can access and modify the source code.

Common Mistakes

I downloaded a shareware antivirus that never asks for payment.
I downloaded a freeware antivirus that never asks for payment.
freeware is always free; shareware requires payment after a trial period.
I got the game as shareware from a torrent site.
I got the game as shareware from the developer's official website.
shareware is a legal distribution model, not a term for pirated copies.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Freeware is completely free with no payment expected, whereas shareware asks users to pay after a trial period ends. Trialware is essentially the same concept as shareware but the name highlights the time limit rather than the sharing aspect. Demo software usually limits which features are available, while shareware often offers full features for a limited time. Open-source software is fundamentally different — the focus is on source-code access, not cost or trial periods. For example: 'I downloaded a freeware calculator and never needed to pay for it' versus 'I am testing a shareware video editor, and I will buy it if I like it.'

freeware ↗trialwaredemo softwareopen-source software

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • trial period
  • full version
  • free trial
  • try before you buy
  • evaluation copy

Prepositions

  • as shareware

Etymology

English

Coined in the early 1980s by combining the verb 'share' (to give a portion of something to others) and 'ware,' a shortened form of 'software.' The name reflects the idea that the software is freely distributed for evaluation, with an expectation that satisfied users will pay for continued or full use.