Definition

Noun: A process, system, or mechanism in which the output or result of a process is used to reduce, counteract, or diminish the input or cause of that process, thereby stabilizing the system and preventing excessive change.

Usage

Negative feedback is a fundamental concept in systems theory, engineering, and biology. It describes a self-regulating loop where an increase in output leads to actions that decrease that output, and vice-versa, promoting equilibrium.

Examples

• In biology, the regulation of body temperature is a classic example of negative feedback; sweating cools the body when it gets too hot.
• The amplifier uses negative feedback to reduce distortion and maintain a stable output signal.
• In management, customer complaints can serve as negative feedback, prompting a company to improve its product.

Advanced Usage

• "To apply negative feedback": To intentionally implement this stabilizing mechanism in a system.
  • The engineer applied negative feedback to the circuit to control the gain.
• "A negative feedback loop": The complete cycle of interaction where the output influences the input in a stabilizing way.
  • The predator-prey relationship often forms a negative feedback loop that regulates population sizes.

Variants and Related Words

• Feedback (n): The more general term for information about the result of a process returned to the source.
• Positive feedback (n): The opposite process, where output amplifies or increases the input, leading to exponential growth or runaway effects.
• Homeostasis (n): The state of steady internal conditions maintained by negative feedback processes in living organisms.

Synonyms

• Stabilizing feedback
• Balancing feedback
• Compensatory feedback

Antonyms

• Positive feedback
• Reinforcing feedback
• Vicious cycle (in certain contexts)

Related Phrases

• "To provide negative feedback": To give criticism or information intended to correct or reduce a behavior or output.
  • The teacher provided negative feedback on the essay's structure so the student could revise it.
• "Inherent negative feedback": A stabilizing mechanism that is a built-in, natural property of a system.
  • The market has inherent negative feedback through price adjustments.

Noun

1. feedback in opposite phase with (decreasing) the input