bloatware

[ bloht-wair ]

noun

, Computers.

1. unwanted software that is preinstalled on a newly bought device, especially when it negatively impacts the device's performance:

   Thankfully, the smartphone doesn't come with much bloatware, only a few preloaded apps.

2. software that uses an excessive amount of space and memory:

   It used to be a good antivirus program, but it's turned into bloatware.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloatware¹

First recorded in 1990–95; bloat ( def ) + -ware ( def )

Example Sentences

Oh, and there’s bloatware on it.

From The Verge

The audio on our model wasn’t great, and the device shipped with some cheap bloatware installed.

From The Verge

Our review of Swift 5 Verge Score 7 out of 10 Good Stuff Light and portable body Adequate port selection Fast processor for the price 16:10, high-resolution touch display Bad Stuff Bad battery life Bloatware pre-installed Thin audio Expensive for what it offers Buy for $1,499.99 from Acer Buy for $1,549.99 from Amazon For more information on our scoring, see How We Rate.

From The Verge

The touchpad feels stiff, and the laptop does contain some preinstalled bloatware.

From The Verge

Just note, however, that it does come with bloatware that can be challenging to uninstall, and we found the 16:9 screen relatively cramped and dim.

From The Verge