Definition
Prompt
A prompt is the instruction, question, data, or context given to an AI model to guide its output. A useful prompt defines the task, constraints, audience, source material, and success criteria instead of only asking for a generic answer.
Last updated: 25 June 2026
Why it matters
Prompt quality is often the cheapest way to improve an AI workflow before changing tools or models.
Signals to watch
- The task is written in natural language
- Context is supplied with instructions
- Output quality changes when wording changes