AI washing en · NOUN
Etymology
From AI + -wash + -ing.
Meanings
- (uncountable) The deceptive marketing of a product or a service by overstating its use of artificial intelligence.
-
(uncountable) The use of artificial intelligence as an excuse for corporate measures such as layoffs.
Some experts have questioned whether the technology is the real source of the job reductions, saying some companies could be “AI-washing,” or blaming layoffs on the new technology to cover up cost-cutting efforts or other issues with their businesses.
2026 January 27, Annie Palmer, “Pinterest laying off 15% of workforce as part of AI push; stock plummets”, in CNBC, archived from the original on 11 Feb 2026:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-washing | alternative | lexicographic |