vaporware

[ vey-per-wair ]

noun

1. Computer Slang. a product, especially software, that is promoted or marketed while it is still in development and that may never be produced.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaporware¹

vapor + -ware

Example Sentences

He was the “antiwar” candidate who promised to bring back torture, the crusader for the “forgotten man” who gave huge tax breaks to the wealthy, the builder of imaginary border walls, nonexistent health care plans and vaporware agreements with foreign tyrants.

From Salon

Without any details, his promise looks like what Silicon Valley calls “vaporware” — an announcement without a product.

From Los Angeles Times

Investment firms such as Andreessen Horowitz have declared that “it’s time to build” real world-changing companies, only to pour billions into crypto-hype vaporware.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has a history of touting innovations that proved to be vaporware.

From Los Angeles Times

It's unlikely that Schumer and Manchin would go to such lengths if this bill was vaporware.

From Salon

Related Words

• application
• application software
• program