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AGI / ASI

AGI means a general-purpose AI at human level. ASI means an AI that would go far beyond humans.

Concept 4 min read Updated 2026-05-22
— Definition

AGI / ASI, in plain words

AGI means a general-purpose AI at human level. ASI means an AI that would go far beyond humans.

Present AGI and ASI as markers along a trajectory, not as fixed calendar certainties.

A concrete example

When Sam Altman talks about AGI in 2027, he means an AI that can handle most of the intellectual tasks a human does.

Why it matters

You'll see AGI and ASI in 90% of mainstream AI debates. Without the definition, you can't follow the conversation.

You hear it in debates about the long-term trajectory of artificial intelligence.

Don't mix it up with

LLM: An LLM is an AI model trained to understand and generate language.

AI model: An AI model is the engine that reads your request and produces an answer.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up AGI (general-purpose) with ASI (super-intelligent).
  • Believing the definition is settled (it isn't).
  • Talking about AGI as a fixed date when opinions range from 2027 to 'never'.

Quick checklist

  • First I check whether the word names a concept, a tool, a risk, or a metric.
  • I tie it to a concrete case: When Sam Altman talks about AGI in 2027, he means an AI that can handle most of the intellectual tasks a human does.
  • I keep the main trap in mind: Mixing up AGI (general-purpose) with ASI (super-intelligent).

Quick questions

What is AGI / ASI in AI?

AGI means a general-purpose AI at human level. ASI means an AI that would go far beyond humans.

Where will I run into AGI / ASI?

You hear it in debates about the long-term trajectory of artificial intelligence.

Which word should I read next?

Start with LLM, AI model, Reasoning model.

Want to keep going in order?

Head back to the full glossary, search a word, then open only the pages that deserve more than a short definition.

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