Examples of Acronyms

An acronym is a pronounceable word formed from the first letter (or first few letters) of each word in a phrase or title. The newly combined letters create a new word that becomes a part of everyday language. Using shortened forms of words or phrases can speed up communication. Explore this useful shorthand with these examples of acronyms.

Let’s start off by examining some popular acronyms and their meanings, including how they are used in sentences. We’re likely to see them in the news and even use them in our everyday language. Some acronyms have become regular words like radar, scuba, and taser.

• AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
  He tested positive for AIDS.
• ASAP - As Soon As Possible
  We have to get to the hospital ASAP!
• AWOL - Absent Without Official Leave (or Absent Without Leave)
  I don’t know where he went. He’s totally AWOL.
• IMAX - Image Maximum
  We saw MI:6 in the local IMAX theatre.
• LASER - Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation
  Our cat loves to chase a little red LASER beam.
• PIN - Personal Identification Number
  You’ll need your PIN to use your bank card at the ATM.
• RADAR - Radio Detection and Ranging
  The police officer used RADAR to catch them speeding.
• SCUBA - Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
  We gathered our SCUBA gear and dove into the Atlantic.
• SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely
  Create SMART goals for the quarter so you’ll be successful.
• TASER - Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle
  She hit the attacker with her TASER.
• WASP - White Anglo-Saxon Protestant
  Many citizens in the Colonial Era were WASPs.

Professional Acronym Examples

Groups, organizations, and even specific occupational positions are often known more by their acronym than their real name. Some professional acronyms that used to be pronounced letter by letter are now pronounced as words.

• AARP - American Association of Retired Persons
  I forgot my AARP card.
• DARE - Drug Abuse Resistance Education
  The whole school is doing the DARE program.
• FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
  After the hurricane, FEMA helped the survivors rebuild.
• HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act
  I can’t give you that information because of HIPAA.
• HUD - Department of Housing and Urban Development
  You’ll have to go to the HUD office to get help finding affordable housing.
• NAFTA - North American Free Trade Agreement
  NAFTA requires the U.S. to follow this rule.
• NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  We watched the NASA engineer explain how a launch works.
• NATO - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  Let’s hope NATO always remains intact.
• OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  Everyone make sure you wear your helmets today, we’ve got an OSHA inspection.
• POTUS - President Of The United States
  The POTUS will be taking Air Force One to the meeting.
• SEAL - Sea Air Land (U.S. Navy)
  The SEAL team is taking this mission.
• SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  Anyone who qualifies for SNAP benefits qualifies for this program.
• SWAT - Special Weapons and Tactics
  The Los Angeles Police Department dispatched their SWAT team.
• UNICEF - The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund
  UNICEF appointed a new chairman of the board.