always-on

adjective

al·​ways-on ˈȯl-wēz-ˈȯn How to pronounce always-on (audio)
-ˈän,
-wəz-,
-(ˌ)wāz-,
 also  ˈȯ-
: always active, operating, or powered
an always-on Internet connection
When a power shortage occurs and electricity costs rise, the always-on devices scattered throughout … your facility consume increasingly expensive power.Gilbert Held

Examples of always-on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In always-on environments, caregivers often feel that asking for time off or help could hurt their reputation—or even their job security. Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 The virtual chat-bots and agents can provide always-on feedback and guidance for employees, based on rules, templates, and datasets. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 Failing to control costs can easily lead to runaway bills, particularly given the 24/7, always-on nature of most AI services. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 However, in today’s hyper-targeted, always-on market, there is increasing pressure on marketers to prioritize immediate short-term sales results over longer-term brand-building strategies. David Brown, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for always-on

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of always-on was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Always-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/always-on. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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