interjection
ACK
ak
interjection
1
Used to express disgust, alarm, or annoyance.
"Ack, I forgot my keys again!"
noun
1
In computing, a short signal confirming that data was received.
"The server sent an ack back to confirm the file had arrived."
How to Use ACK
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a casual sound of disgust, or (in tech) shorthand for a confirmation signal.
When to use it
The technical sense is common in networking and programming contexts; the interjection is informal.
Word Forms
ACKed past tense, acked past tense, ACKs plural, acks plural, ACKs singular, acks singular
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_____, I forgot my keys again!
Etymology
Shortened from "acknowledged," originally used in telegraph and radio signalling.