# automation

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ · frequency rank #9,567

## Definitions
1. The act or process of converting the controlling of a machine or device to a more automatic system, such as computer or electronic controls.

## Etymology
From automatic + -ion or automaton + -ion; coined by a Ford Executive Vice President, Delmar S. Harder, in the 1940s.

## Easily confused with
- **automaton** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/automation-vs-automaton)
- **automatic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/automatic-vs-automation)

## Common misspellings (14)
`atuomation`, `auotmation`, `autmoation`, `autoamtion`, `automaiton`, `automasion`, `automatino`, `automationn`, `automatoin`, `automattion`, `autommation`, `automtaion`, `auttomation`, `uatomation`

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