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feature creep

The way a project that started simple grows extra requirements until it's six months late and unbuildable.

ˈfit͡ʃɚ ˈkɹipDocumented since 1980s1980sGen Xhistorical197 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1980 · no dated citations yet
1980BornToday, 2026

Definitions

Global
#1·May 2, 2026Globalcasual

The way a project that started simple grows extra requirements until it's six months late and unbuildable. Almost always leadership-driven; almost always blamed on engineering.

What started as a settings page is now a whole permissions system. Classic feature creep.
For parents

Feature creep means: The way a project that started simple grows extra requirements until it's six months late and unbuildable. Almost always leadership-driven; almost always blamed on engineering.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

feature creep means: The way a project that started simple grows extra requirements until it's six months late and unbuildable. Almost always leadership-driven; almost always blamed on engineering.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself.

Cluster: easy
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For specific readers

Feature creep means: The way a project that started simple grows extra requirements until it's six months late and unbuildable. Almost always leadership-driven; almost always blamed on engineering.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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