AI buzzword dictionary
What is RAG (retrieval-augmented generation)?
A method where an AI first looks up relevant documents, then uses them to write its answer.
What this actually means
Instead of relying only on what it learned in training, the system searches a chosen set of documents — a company handbook, a help centre — and passes the relevant passages to the model.
This usually makes answers more accurate and up to date, and lets the tool show where information came from.
Example
An HR assistant answers 'How many days of annual leave do I get?' by quoting the current staff handbook rather than guessing.
Where you may meet it
Workplace chatbots, 'ask your documents' features and support assistants.
Last reviewed: 25 September 2026