Definition A field of computer science in which systems learn patterns from data and improve at tasks through experience, instead of following rules written by hand. The foundation of modern AI, including large language models.
In more depth
Machine learning algorithms are trained on examples—emails labeled spam or not, contracts labeled by clause type—until they can make accurate predictions about new data. The approach powers everyday tools such as spam filters and document classification as well as generative AI. Performance depends heavily on the quality and representativeness of the training data, which is why biased or thin data produces unreliable results.
About the editor: MHSB Solutions, Research desk. MHSB Solutions is not a law firm. This glossary is educational information, not legal advice.
Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.