While writing an article on tech terms, I felt the need to explore the confusion around the word “software.” People often search for the correct plural like “softwares,” but that isn’t the right way.

Even a bunch or collection of programs on a computer is still just software, a singular term.
To refer to multiple kinds, we use alternatives like “types of software,” which is easy and clear.

I’ve had to discuss this with colleagues, and after some explaining, it’s surely no longer a mysterious rule for them—just one we must be mindful of.

What Does the Word “Software” Mean?

When I first learned how software works, I imagined it like a recipe in a kitchen, where clear instructions and steps guide how to perform each task.

The computer follows a set of data and programs that tell or tells the system what to create, using digital ingredients the same way a chef makes a dish.

While hardware is the physical part you touch, software is its complete opposite—it operates inside, powering what the machine makes and how it behaves by managing the use of its machinery and controlling specific actions within itself.

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Plural of “Software”: Software or Softwares

In my early days of teaching, I noticed learners often struggled with whether software has a plural form like books or cars. But it doesn’t work that way.

Software is a mass noun, much like furniture or water, which means it’s treated as a substance or a whole concept rather than a group of individual items.

So, saying “softwares” isn’t correct. Instead, we refer to it as a category that includes many different programs or solutions.

Some More Nouns like “Software” and Their Plurals

Origins of the Word “Software”

The word software we use today emerged around the 1950s, but its roots trace back to the 1850s when terms like soft-ware described decomposable waste, in contrast to durable hardware.

Later, in a 1958 mathematics journal article, John W. Tukey, a respected statistician, used it as a descriptor for the intangible components and instructions that bring a computer to life.

This term was likely chosen to contrast physical items with digital programs, and while the exact year is still debated, many sources credit Tukey for using it.

Over time, the meaning of software grew clearer as we learned to differentiate the modern digital systems we rely on today, a set built from thought, not metal.

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Examples in Context as Singular and Plural

Singular Usage (“Software”)

• Software acts as the brain of a computer, sending instructions for specific tasks.
  
• Choosing the right tools can significantly improve workflow and help business operation.
  
• A Latest update once fixed a serious security vulnerability in our system.
  
• Open-source tools allow collaboration and spark innovation in development.
  
• Learning basic skills is beneficial to work in a rapidly evolving field like tech.
  
• From electronic parts to user-friendly apps, every element is essential and easy to navigate.

Plural Usage (Alternatives for “Softwares”)

• I had to install multiple applications on my mobile and computer for a project that involved editing and managing finances.
• Keeping everything up to date was crucial, especially when compatibility issues with the system arose on my old laptop.
• At work, our company explored AI and technologies to automate repetitive tasks, which improved life at the office.
• I’ve also guided fresh graduates in choosing the right mix of solutions for their career in programming and development, which opened up huge opportunities.
• When testing apps, I noticed how some devices struggled with draining battery due to poorly optimized series of applications.
• Multiple companies are competing to develop new tech, and learning several languages became an important step in staying ahead.

Conclusion 

In my experience teaching tech basics, I’ve seen many confuse the plural of software as softwares, but that’s not correct. Software is a mass noun, like water or furniture, meaning it represents a whole concept, not individual pieces.

So, instead of using “softwares,” we use descriptive phrases like “a variety of software” or “multiple software programs.” This form keeps your language clear and professional.

It’s truly amazing how this one word powers so much of the world. When you confidently discuss different solutions, remember that using the right words helps express the idea more effectively.

Peter Hamer

An IELTS and TOEFL expert who has guided hundreds of students to achieve high scores. His strategic approach to exam preparation ensures confidence and success.