Definition

Something that is old, unnecessary, or of poor quality, often referring to clutter or outdated items.

Example

The software was full of cruft, making it difficult to maintain and update.

Conversation

I was going through my old code and found so much cruft in it.

That always happens! It’s frustrating to see how messy things can get over time.

Yeah, I really need to clean it up and get rid of the cruft.

Definitely! It will make your code so much easier to work with.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cruft originates from British slang, meaning unnecessary or unwanted material, particularly in the context of software or technology. The term is believed to have derived from the word 'crufty', which refers to something that is cluttered or filled with junk.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cruft' as representing unnecessary clutter or junk, especially in technology, helping you remember that it refers to unwanted material.

Visually Confused Words