# automation vs automaton

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### automation
*noun · IPA /ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ · frequency rank #9,567*
The act or process of converting the controlling of a machine or device to a more automatic system, such as computer or electronic controls.

### automaton
*noun · IPA /ɔːˈtɒmətən/ · frequency rank #42,534*
A machine or robot designed to follow a precise sequence of instructions.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/automation-vs-automaton