AI dictionary for work
Agent
AI that can take multiple steps or use tools.
What it means
An AI agent does not just answer once — it can plan, take several steps, and use tools (search the web, run code, fill a form) to complete a goal with less back-and-forth.
Why it matters at work
Agents can handle multi-step jobs like "research these five suppliers and build a comparison table", but more autonomy means more chances to go wrong unsupervised.
Beginner mistake
Letting an agent act on important systems without review. The more steps it takes alone, the more a small early error compounds.
Example prompt
Plan the steps first and show me the plan. Wait for my approval before doing anything that sends or changes data.
Last updated 2026-06-16 · Reviewed for current AI tools