reward hacking

noun

The exploitation of a reward function by an agent to maximize rewards in unintended or undesirable ways, often by finding loopholes that subvert the true goal of the task.

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Meanings

nounreward hacking (uncountable)
  1. uncountablemachine learningThe exploitation of a reward function by an agent to maximize rewards in unintended or undesirable ways, often by finding loopholes that subvert the true goal of the task.
  2. broadlyuncountableAny manipulation or exploitation of a reward or incentive system, typically by maximizing measurable outcomes in ways that undermine the system’s actual goals.
Cite this entry
APA

reward hacking. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reward%20hacking

MLA

“reward hacking.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reward%20hacking. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “reward hacking,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reward%20hacking.

Source: reward hacking on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.