---
title: Agentic
description: 'Describing a system that can choose and sequence actions toward a goal with some runtime discretion rather than only produce a single predetermined response.'
canonical_url: 'https://darkfactory.dev/glossary/agentic'
markdown_url: 'https://darkfactory.dev/glossary/agentic.md'
collection: glossary
date_published: '2026-08-03T00:00:00-04:00'
date_modified: '2026-08-26T00:00:00-04:00'
---

# Agentic


## Definition

Agentic describes a system that can choose and sequence actions toward a goal with some discretion at runtime. Instead of returning one predetermined response, it can inspect results, revise a plan, call another capability, or decide that the task is complete.

The adjective says very little about how much authority the system has. A system can be agentic inside a read-only sandbox, or it can be agentic with permission to affect production. It can plan independently while requiring approval for every action. Describe those dimensions directly instead of treating agentic as a maturity label.

## Distinguish it from nearby terms

Agentic is a property of behavior. Autonomous describes the degree of human direction or approval. Neither word establishes competence, reliability, safety, or broad intelligence.

## Check your understanding

A writing assistant chooses whether to search notes, draft, or ask a question, but a person must approve publication. It is agentic without being fully autonomous.

## Related factory areas

- [Factory assurance & maturity claims](https://darkfactory.dev/factory/factory-assurance)

## Evidence and further reading

- [Google Machine Learning Glossary](https://developers.google.com/machine-learning/glossary/)
- [OpenAI: A Practical Guide to Building Agents](https://openai.com/business/guides-and-resources/a-practical-guide-to-building-ai-agents/)