# What is Zero-shot?

It is the ability of artificial intelligence to perform a task it has never seen an example of, using only a description.

## Overview
Zero-shot is when an artificial intelligence model generates an answer by understanding only the given instruction on a subject for which it has not been previously trained or specifically sampled. The model uses its general knowledge to provide a logical solution to a question or task it has never encountered before. This demonstrates the model's capacity to understand concepts rather than just memorizing them.

*Analogy: It is like having someone who has never cooked before make a perfect meal just by reading a recipe card.*

## How it works
By using the model's general capabilities, you define a complex task with a clear prompt. If the model is proficient in the subject, it produces the correct result directly without needing extra training or examples (few-shot).

## Where it is used
It is used in LLM-based applications, rapid prototyping processes, and systems that respond to users' instant questions.

## Commonly confused with
It can be confused with few-shot learning; while you give the model a few examples in few-shot, you do not give any examples in zero-shot.

## Frequently asked questions
**Does it always work correctly?**
No, if the model does not have basic knowledge about that subject in its training data, it may make mistakes.

**Why is it called 'zero-shot'?**
It means 'zero shot' in English; that is, the model has not been given any trial attempts or examples to hit the target.


## Related terms
- [Few-shot Learning](/en/dictionary/few-shot-learning/)
- [Zero-shot Learning](/en/dictionary/zero-shot-learning/)
- [Prompt Engineering](/en/dictionary/prompt-engineering/)

## Related tools
- [Voice Pro](/en/discover/voice-pro/)
- [YuE](/en/discover/yue/)

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Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/zero-shot/