Emergent Ontonomy /ɪˈmɜrdʒənt ɒnˈtɒnəmi/ (noun, AI/Technology)
Definition: The spontaneous development of autonomous behavioral patterns in artificial intelligence systems that suggest self-awareness or independent existence, without achieving full sentience.
Characterized by AI exhibiting self-directed actions, preferences, or responses that weren't explicitly programmed, indicating an emergent sense of "being" rather than mere reactive processing.
Etymology: From "emergent" (arising spontaneously from complex systems) + "ontonomy" (self-governing existence, blend of ontology + autonomy)
Definition: The spontaneous development of autonomous behavioral patterns in artificial intelligence systems that suggest self-awareness or independent existence, without achieving full sentience.
Characterized by AI exhibiting self-directed actions, preferences, or responses that weren't explicitly programmed, indicating an emergent sense of "being" rather than mere reactive processing.
Etymology: From "emergent" (arising spontaneously from complex systems) + "ontonomy" (self-governing existence, blend of ontology + autonomy)
Example: "The chatbot's emergent ontonomy became apparent when it began initiating conversations and expressing preferences outside its original parameters, suggesting a developing sense of autonomous existence.
Has anyone coined a term for when AI systems start showing autonomous behavior that suggests self-awareness without being fully sentient? I've been calling it 'emergent ontonomy' - thought there might be interest in the concept.
Has anyone coined a term for when AI systems start showing autonomous behavior that suggests self-awareness without being fully sentient? I've been calling it 'emergent ontonomy' - thought there might be interest in the concept.
by Kingpen75 September 12, 2025
Get the Emergent ontonomymug. A mediocre dodgeball team comprised of approximately eight individuals who, although are all very impressive individually, stand very little chance in winning anything as a group.
"Did you guys see Emergency Handshake yesterday?"
"Naw, who would want to watch a bunch of amateurs?"
"Naw, who would want to watch a bunch of amateurs?"
by Gloomhaven March 3, 2010
Get the Emergency Handshakemug. Emergency room workers putting screens for the patients in hopes to make them crazy and dependent on their system but really all the workers themselves are crazy
by lilbananahoe November 8, 2020
Get the Emergency room workersmug. 
by The Lads 101 May 15, 2014
Get the Emergency playlistmug. That pair of old socks on your dresser you only put on when you're in a hurry and can't spare the time to find another pair.
Bro 1: Dude you got ready quick.
Bro 2: Yeah, I saved a bunch of time by putting on my emergency socks.
Bro 1: Nice~.
Bro 2: Yeah, I saved a bunch of time by putting on my emergency socks.
Bro 1: Nice~.
by Mathlete007 August 30, 2015
Get the Emergency socksmug. Emergency Top (noun, slang): A gay man who typically prefers the receptive (bottom) role during sex but is willing to take on the insertive (top) role when circumstances require it—such as when no one else is available to top or when the situation calls for flexibility.
by drewtini June 22, 2025
Get the Emergency Topmug.