# Terminology — user reviews > 142 indexed App Store user reviews of Terminology by Agile Tortoise, rated 4.70/5 from 1,080 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminology/id687798859/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminology/id687798859.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 894 · 4★ 117 · 3★ 28 · 2★ 15 · 1★ 26 ## What do users think of Terminology? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 Often used, helpful for finding words - 🔍 Precise and detailed definitions - 🔗 Integrates well with other apps and services - 🔍 Comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus - 💻 Works great on both iOS and macOS - 🔍 Provides related words and synonyms - 🔍 Succinct and easy to understand definitions **Cons** - 💰 Subscription model requires paying to remove ads - 🔄 Functionality reduced in recent update - 🔍 Some words missing from the dictionary - 🔍 Clunky interface and navigation in latest version - 🔍 Customization options behind paywall - 💰 Paying customers now have to pay again for updates **Commonly reported bugs** - Keyboard does not always appear when tapping search - Crashes or freezes on some devices - Difficulty adjusting volume for word pronunciations **Most requested features** - Add ability to review and manage favorite words - Implement quiz or flashcard features for learning new words - Improve keyboard integration and shortcuts - Add more comprehensive dictionary coverage - Provide option to revert to previous app version ## Newest reviews (14 of 142) ### 2/5 — Used to be great *2025-12-12, version 7.0.1* Developer decided to destroy his integrity and screw over the people who bought the pro version of this app long ago. What a shame… ### 5/5 — So many uses for this app when doing research *2025-04-23* This app is phenomenal and I am finding it perfect for my research and web browsing. I ended up paying for the lifetime option because I use this app so much and it has saved me so much time. ### 5/5 — So many uses for this app when doing research *2025-04-07* This app is phenomenal and I am finding it perfect for my research. The only thing I would like to see is the ability to make folders. ### 2/5 — New update nearly ruined app *2025-04-06, version 5.0.3* I have been using this app for years and with this newest update, I find the functionality very clunky and hard to navigate. The previous version had the tabs up top for easy selection and navigation. Additionally, it had a much larger list of definitions and synonyms for words and now, hardly anything shows under any definition I look up. That was one of my favorite parts of this app, and now they seem to be missing. And the addition of the subscription cost was so disappointing. ### 2/5 — Not a fan of the new interface *2025-03-31, version 5.0.2* I loved the app before and used it just about every day, but this new update is not it for me. Huge bummer. ### 2/5 — Clunky *2025-03-30, version 5.0.2* Latest update has made this app slow and difficult to use. The search function is hidden away and difficult to return to. Often the keyboard does not appear when tapping the search window. It used to be slick and easy to use, but no longer. ### 4/5 — This was a needless change *2025-03-27, version 5.0.2* I get the need to revitalize cash flow. Especially considering that macOS version, which completely integrated with the dictionary app has always been free, but there could’ve been a warning before completely nuking the favorites. On iOS I didn’t even use the app as a dictionary, but rather a guide for words to either incorporate more or remove from my writing. It’s a year of work gone which unfortunately leaves me distrustful of this developer. ### 5/5 — Great app for writing is even better *2025-03-26, version 5.0.1* A big update to a great app. Terminology takes an original take to a dictionary and thesaurus. I think of Terminology as a word idea generator. This update provides links to resources and is more extensible. I look forward to using it with another essential app, Drafts, for my ideas, lists, and writing. I upgraded immediately to Terminology Pro lifetime. For $19.99 as an introductory temp offer, a great deal for this invaluable resource. Try the free version and I predict you will be hooked. One more thing. I totally trust the developer, Greg Pierce- Agile Tortoise, to continue to improve the app as he has with Drafts. ### 2/5 — Not a good thesaurus for me *2025-03-26, version 5.0.1* I was mainly interested in the thesaurus, but it seems there is no separate thesaurus view. The thesaurus related functions are shown in small, low-contrast text below definitions. They're also split up in a way that I think is meant to help find the right word, but demands more thought and decision making than I want. I appreciate the effort, but while the traditional "pile of words" has its issues, in many cases I find it easier to use, and wish there was an option for it. Dictionary seems OK. I didn't try the research stuff. ### 2/5 — Update removed previous functionality *2025-03-25, version 5.0.1* I’ve had Terminology for quite some time. I was previously able to add custom resources. After the recent update that functionality is now behind a paywall. I don’t mind an app having functions behind a subscription or payment, but to remove previously available functions is a huge bummer. ### 5/5 — Practical and useful! *2025-03-25, version 5.0.1* Glad to have it back on my phone, missed having a neat dictionary handy! ### 4/5 — When will it be updated? *2025-02-04, version 4.7* When will it be updated?It's been two years since an update. ### 5/5 — This has to be the most perfect mobile dictionary out there *2024-09-22* This app manages to do what all the bigger ones simply can’t! Free with no ads (and it doesn’t collect any data), you’re presented with a clean and simple layout when you open the app. There’s a search, history, and favourites, alongside a settings menu. Nothing more! Click on search and type in a word. A word is displayed with the definition, synonyms, related words, and words that are less and more specific. Click on the pen icon to make a note! There is the ability to copy definitions to the clipboard or share it to other apps. You can ‘favourite’ words that you want to remember; alternatively you can also scroll through your history to find them. There are also dozens of ‘actions’ that can be done in the app. By default you can search up a word in Wikipedia or Google, however there is a setting menu with countless additional presets to chose from, such as finding rhymes, searching the oxford or Webster dictionary or thesaurus, or even finding a words history through etymonline. And if that’s not enough, you can also create your own custom actions to search even the most obscure database! All of these actions are done directly within the app, so there’s no unexpected browser pop-ups! Whether you’re a writer, reader, student, linguist, scrabble fanatic or more, this app is fantastic and I highly recommend it! Never change! ### 5/5 — Best Dictionary App with Unmatched Customization *2024-08-22, version 4.7* This dictionary app is hands down the best I’ve ever used on my iPhone. The customization options are incredibly rich, allowing me to tailor my experience exactly the way I want. The standout feature for me is the customizable search paths—it makes looking up words so much more efficient and personal. Huge thanks to the developer for putting in the effort to create such a fantastic tool. Please keep up the great work and continue updating this app—it’s truly invaluable! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Dev Can’t Be Trusted *2026-02-14, version 8.0* READ RECENT REVIEWS. I had the full version of the app, until the developer updated the app to a subscription model, forcing previous owners to pay for subscription services to make the app useful again. Who’s to say he won’t find ways to upcharge you for other services you already have. ### 1/5 — Scam *2025-10-02, version 7.0.1* I had bought the full version and now i have to pay for the full version again. ### 1/5 — Government spying app *2025-09-27, version 7.0* Ran by Feds don’t buy ### 1/5 — Was very good. *2025-06-28, version 6.1* I used to Love this apps looks, layout and functionality. Even though it did not have a very large vocabulary. I loved the way I could add a note that showed up on the definition page. Now they changed the app, and have stolen my data. They’ve made it terrible looking, & nearly useless, unless you buy their subscription. ### 1/5 — Was very good. *2025-06-12, version 6.1* I used to Love this apps looks, layout and functionality. Even though it did not have a very large vocabulary. I loved the way I could add a note that showed up on the definition page. Now they changed the app to be terrible looking, & nearly useless, unless you buy their subscription. ### 1/5 — Was once a great app *2025-03-24, version 5.0* What was once a great app, is now garbage. All new in app purchases, layout is messed up, unable to quickly switch between sources as previously. No way for people to revert to their previous perks. 🥲🥲🥲 ### 1/5 — The app won’t install *2020-06-14* It somehow got deleted and would not reinstall on my phone no matter how many times I try. It still works fine on my iPad so I have no idea what’s gone wrong. I already wrote to the developer but have yet to get a response, which is why I’m writing here. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?? ### 1/5 — Awfully Crashing *2018-11-13, version 4.3.0* This application is awful, how on earth an application paid for crashes like this. I will have to report this app to the apple apps store for its removal if something is not done as soon as possible. ### 1/5 — Be careful. Buy pro and he’s likely to switch to subscription model *2018-06-08, version 4.2.0* Be careful. Buy pro and he’s likely to switch to subscription model and you’ll lose your investment. ### 1/5 — Redundant, full of ads *2018-05-23, version 4.1.4* Just pull down from the home screen and type your word in the search bar. Apple’s result from the system Dictionary never has ads. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Pour travailler mon anglais *2026-08-01* Très utile pour moi qui apprends la langue. On est chez ´Argile Tortoise ´, les créateurs du fabuleux « Drafts » donc oui, on est entre bonnes mains ! ### 5/5 — Great WordNet resource *2026-03-13, version 8.0.1* Terminology is based on the WordNet database, and it is the gem inside this app. I’m not aware that WordNet is available in any other app, or at least any mainstream one. WordNet is a word-finder, not too dissimilar to a thesaurus. It has unfortunately become more or less the province of professional linguists. Terminology brings it to the everyday writer, and its integration with the developer’s Drafts app is especially helpful. It also provides one-stop shopping to other resources. You can check out Websters, etymologies, etc. from other web-based dictionary resources. Some words, particularly “street” or “urban” words, can have differing meanings depending on what source you check. This app lets you check various sources, including AI-based ones. ### 5/5 — If you like words this is it *2026-02-24, version 8.0* Thee app for words. Great all in one tool for words. Dictionary, thesaurus, and more!!! ### 5/5 — Still the Best *2026-02-08, version 7.1.2* Installed Terminology close to 20 years ago, and it’s the only dictionary / thesaurus app still on my phone and up to date. Used regularly. The mac app is excellent too (more of the “research” toll there). ### 5/5 — Often *2025-11-24, version 7.0.1* I use this often to find the words my brain can’t hang onto anymore ### 5/5 — Great words!! *2025-09-09, version 6.1* Been using this one for years, always helpful, good tools like faves and history of search and all kinds of nice stuff. Related words, etc. ### 5/5 — Feature request *2025-08-29, version 6.1* Can you add a way to review your favorites? I understand there can be varying definitions for a word, so flash cards could be dealt with a way to favorite a specific definition of a word, perhaps. Maybe a quiz as well. The definitions used in this app are the most succinct, which allows one to recall new words much easier ### 5/5 — Supreme *2025-08-28* I would like to thank the developers for their app, Terminolgy. Simplistic yet functional design, various dictionaries empower me to learn new vocabulary and explore the nexus of English ### 5/5 — Love this app *2025-08-06, version 6.1* I love this app in every way ### 5/5 — Incredible Update! *2025-05-04, version 6.0* I bought Terminology *way* back when it first came out and had already gotten more than my money’s worth. However, over the long years between version 4 and version 5, the accumulation of “bugs” caused by iOS changes had led me to stop using the app. The developer was clearly very talented (check out Drafts!) however they were no longer making enough money to continue development. So imagine my surprise when an update shows up, has new features like a completely updated dictionary (version 4’s hadn’t be updated since the 1980s) and a subscription business model like Drafts’ that has enabled that app to continue working for me since it’s original release. I am ecstatic that Agile Tortoise has taken the incredible effort and time to overhaul Terminology and any niggles I have about interface changes and are just that, niggles. Also, complaints about functionality loss are simply from Agile Tortoise having to fix so many years of breaking changes caused by iOS updates (which is why Version 5 won’t run on anything before iOS 18). The most common complaint about resources and the header bar has already been fixed into Version 6. Agile Tortoise is one of the best small developers in the business and being able to support not one but *two* apps with the depth of Drafts & Terminology is incredibly impressive. Most excellent small developers can only manage one and many a couple other small utility apps. So ignore any current low rating reviews complaining about changes. I understand where they are coming from but they are by customers who don’t understand how iOS development works and how Apple has prevented the old “buy once, own forever, pay for regular updates” model from being possible. Amazing indie apps going subscription is about small developers being about to support a middle class family, not about gouging their customers. $4.99/year is a steal compared to the value I get from Terminology. (Also, I deliberately avoided the discounted lifetime unlock. It’s clearly too low to support ongoing development and if you care about this app remaining useful in five years, the discounted $4.99/year launch subscription is the one you want to choose. It’s about the cost of a single McDonald’s Happy Meal and it will guarantee that Agile Tortoise will be able to afford to keep Terminology working again). This may read like a paid advertisement but it’s really not. I’ve had too many apps I loved from the early days of the iPhone simply stop working because small developers couldn’t afford to keep updating their app. There have only been a few from back then, like Overcast, Omnifocus, Fantastical that have managed the transition to the new world of subscriptions. And the latter two are actually small businesses, not one developer shops like Agile Tortoise. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-09.*