Say it like this
- Let's iterate on this approach
- We will iterate quickly and move forward
- Iterate based on user feedback
- Iterate until we get it right
Use it at work
Planning
- Let's ship a simple version and iterate.
- We'll iterate on the design after user tests.
Feedback
- Thanks, I'll iterate on the doc and send it back.
- Let's iterate on this together.
Code
- The loop iterates over every user.
- Iterate through the list and check each item.
Don't say this
Use 'iterate on' not 'iterate' alone when talking about improving something specific.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You want to say the team will improve the API step by step. Which is most natural?
2. After the user testing sessions, we need to _______ the onboarding flow.
3. Which sentence uses iterate incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using iterate: 'We need to make small changes to the algorithm and test it many times before it is ready.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 4
"Let's iterate on this approach"
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More about iterate
Real examples(4)
- in a standup
"We shipped the first version yesterday, and now we're iterating based on the bug reports we received."
- in a code review
"This approach works, but let's iterate on the error handling to make it more robust."
- in a team meeting
"Instead of delaying the launch, we should release now and iterate on performance improvements in the next sprint."
- in a product discussion
"We will iterate on the UI based on the user testing sessions we conducted last week."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with 'reiterate' (to repeat). Iterate means to improve through cycles of changes, not just to repeat the same thing.
- ✕Let me reiterate the design by changing the colors.✓Let me iterate on the design by changing the colors.
Reiterate means to repeat or state again. Iterate means to improve through cycles of change.
- ✕We iterated the same code without any changes.✓We iterated on the code by fixing bugs and improving performance.
Iterate implies improvement and change, not just repetition.
Other forms(4)
- iterate verb
"We iterate on our features every two weeks."
- iterating verb
"By iterating quickly, we can respond to market changes faster."
- iterated verb
"We iterated on the API design five times before launch."
- iteration noun
"Each iteration brought us closer to the product vision."
Often used with(5)
- iterate on · Most common form; use when improving a specific thing (iterate on the design, iterate on the approach)
- iterate quickly · Emphasizes speed of development cycles
- iterate based on feedback · Describes the source of changes in the iteration cycle
- iterate and improve · Highlights the improvement aspect of iteration
- iterate over · In programming, means to cycle through items in a list or collection
Similar words(3)
- refine · Similar meaning but less common in tech; more general
- improve · Broader term; iterate implies doing so through repeated cycles
- develop in cycles · Longer phrase with similar meaning; not as concise
Opposites(3)
- finalize
- lock down
- freeze
Questions(5)
- What does iterate mean in software engineering?
- In software engineering, iterate means to improve a product, feature, or system through repeated cycles of development, testing, and refinement. Rather than trying to create a perfect solution immediately, teams iterate by building a basic version, gathering feedback or data, making improvements, and repeating the process. This approach is core to agile development and allows teams to learn and adapt quickly.
- How do you use iterate in a sentence at work?
- Use iterate when discussing ongoing improvement: 'We will iterate on the authentication system based on performance testing results.' You can also say 'The team is iterating quickly to address user complaints.' Always use 'iterate on' when specifying what you are improving.
- Is iterate formal or informal?
- Iterate is neutral in formality. It is used equally in casual team discussions and formal product roadmap presentations. It is a standard term in tech workplaces across all communication contexts.
- What is the difference between iterate and reiterate?
- Iterate means to improve something through repeated cycles of change and testing. Reiterate means to repeat or state something again without necessarily improving it. Do not confuse the two terms. Use iterate when discussing development; use reiterate when repeating a point you already made.
- Why is iteration important in tech?
- Iteration reduces risk by allowing teams to test ideas early, learn from failures quickly, and adjust direction based on real data. It enables faster product delivery, better product-market fit, and more efficient use of resources compared to trying to plan everything upfront.
