DadgogoAI Dictionary

Dictionary entry

neuralese

noun \ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈlēz\
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Definition of neuralese

  1. : the internal numerical 'language' a model might use to think and communicate, which humans cannot read; often discussed as a risk if future models stop reasoning in plain words

    • If models start reasoning in neuralese, we lose the ability to read their chain of thought.
    • Safety researchers want models to keep thinking in English, not neuralese.

Origin & history

first known use2017

Coined in a 2017 research paper about translating messages between AI agents; it became a safety talking point in 2025 and 2026.

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Cite this entry

"Neuralese." AI Dictionary, Dadgogo, https://dadgogo.com/dictionary/neuralese/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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