telecommunications

IPA/ˌtel.ɪ.kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/
KK[tˌɛləkəmjˌunəkˈeʃənz]IPA/ˌtel.ə.kəˌmjuː.nəˈkeɪ.ʃənz/

telecommunications — noun

1. the systems, equipment, and networks that people use to send and receive informa

1.nounB2
Definition

the systems, equipment, and networks that people use to send and receive information electronically across long distances, such as phone lines, radio signals, and the internet

Example

Telecommunications have improved so much that Hamza video-calls his family in Cairo without delay.

telecommunications + present perfect — describing progress over time

After the earthquake, all telecommunications in the region were cut off for three days.

passive: were cut off — service disruption

Common collocations
  • telecommunications network
  • telecommunications infrastructure
  • telecommunications systems
  • cut off telecommunications
  • restore telecommunications
  • disrupt telecommunications
Synonyms
  • communications

    broader term — includes face-to-face talk, print media, and non-electronic forms

  • telecoms

    informal abbreviation, common in business and journalism

  • data transmission

    narrower — refers only to the movement of digital data, not voice or broadcast signals

Grammar Patterns

telecommunications + verb (singular or plural)

telecommunications + network/infrastructure/system

Usage Note

Almost always used in the plural form telecommunications. The singular form telecommunication is rare and usually appears only as a modifier (e.g., 'telecommunication systems'). Verb agreement depends on emphasis: singular when treating telecommunications as one unified system ('Telecommunications is vital'), plural when individual networks are emphasised ('Telecommunications are improving').

Common Mistakes

The telecommunication was cut off during the storm.
The telecommunications were cut off during the storm.
the word is almost always used in the plural form, even when talking about a single connection.

2. the branch of technology and engineering that studies, designs, and builds the s

2.nounB2
Definition

the branch of technology and engineering that studies, designs, and builds the systems used for sending information electronically over distance

Example

Sofie chose to study telecommunications because mobile networks had always fascinated her.

study telecommunications — academic context

After ten years in telecommunications, Dewi moved from network design into satellite systems.

in telecommunications — career and industry context

Common collocations
  • telecommunications industry
  • telecommunications sector
  • telecommunications company
  • telecommunications engineering
  • study telecommunications
  • work in telecommunications
  • career in telecommunications
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

in telecommunications

study + telecommunications

telecommunications + industry/sector/company

Usage Note

When referring to the academic field or professional industry, use a singular verb: 'Telecommunications is a popular degree.' Distinguish from COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (sense 1), which covers the actual networks and equipment rather than the professional discipline.

Common Mistakes

She works in telecommunication.
She works in telecommunications.
the industry is referred to in the plural form, even when describing it as a career field.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Telecommunications refers specifically to electronic systems that send information over distance — phone networks, the internet, satellite links. Communications is much broader: it covers any exchange of information, including face-to-face talk, printed media, and even body language. Telecoms is an informal short form used in business and the press; it means the same thing. Broadcasting is one-way transmission to a mass audience (radio, television) — part of telecommunications but lacking the two-way, interactive quality. Networking is about connecting computers and devices to share data, and is one segment within the wider telecommunications picture. To see the difference: a mobile phone call is telecommunications; a TV news show is broadcasting; a face-to-face chat is communications but not telecommunications.

communications ↗telecoms ↗broadcasting ↗networking ↗

Common collocations

Prepositions

  • in telecommunications

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Formed from tele- (Greek tēle 'far off, at a distance') + communication (from Latin commūnicāre 'to share, impart'). The word emerged in the early 20th century as telegraph, telephone, and radio technology developed and the need arose for a term covering all forms of long-distance electronic messaging.

First known use

1932

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1