Foundation model
Also: foundation models
A model trained for a broad range of tasks. Other tools can use it as a base.
The fuller definition
A foundation model is trained broadly enough to be adapted or used for many downstream tasks rather than only one narrow task.
- Broad training
Many kinds of data
- Adaptation
Instructions or further training
- Tasks
Several distinct uses
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
One broadly trained model may support summarization, classification, and drafting through different instructions.
The distinction that matters
Broad capability is not evidence of reliability in a specialized domain.
Related terms
Pretraining
An early, broad stage of model training. The model learns patterns from a large set of data before later training for some uses.
Training & generationFine-tuning
More training on a chosen set of examples. It changes a model to suit a task or style.
FoundationsAI model
The trained part of an AI system. It uses a large set of numbers to turn what you give it into a result.
Where it is taught
What actually happens when you ask AI a question?Source and further reading
Google · Machine Learning GlossaryThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.