vaporware
nounUK /ˈveɪ.pə.wɛə(ɹ)/ · US /ˈveɪpɚwɛɹ/
Etymology From vapor + -ware.
1
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences An advertised product, often computer software, whose launch has not happened yet and might not ever happen.
- Our hard-and-fast rule was that if we couldn't see it, it still resided in that special zone called "Vaporware."1983, Recording Engineer/producer, volume 14, number 3, page 18:
- Vaporware appeals widely to industrial and consumer buyers.2015, Randall G. Chapman, BRANDS: a marketing game:
1 more example
- Some would say that Microsoft engaged in a subtle form of vaporware by preannouncing its product before it was actually ready to be delivered, then, at the last minute, announcing a short delay.2015, Richard Severson, Ethical Principles for the Information Age:
- Related terms
- on paper, paper airplane, smoke and mirrors