Concept dictionary
Foundation Model
A foundation model is a broadly trained model designed to support adaptation or use across many downstream tasks rather than one narrowly defined application.
- Review state
- Reviewed in POC
- Freshness
- Current
- Version
- 2
Also called
- Foundation Model
Remember it this wayOne broad base can support many different applications.
In plain language
A developer starts with a model that already learned broad patterns, then uses prompting, retrieval, fine-tuning, tools, or application logic to make it useful for a particular job.
Why it matters
Many products can share the same underlying model while behaving differently because their data, instructions, tools, and controls differ. Risks and dependencies may also be inherited from the common foundation.
Example
One foundation model supports a writing assistant, a document classifier, and a customer-service tool through different application layers and data connections.
Common misconception
Foundation does not mean neutral, complete, or suitable for every use. The model still reflects training choices, limitations, and conditions of use.
Related terms
Sources
- Bommasani et al., Stanford CRFM, On the Opportunities and Risks of Foundation Modelsoriginating report defining foundation models as broadly trained models adaptable to many downstream tasks.
- Bommasani et al., arXiv record for the foundation-model reportversioned primary research record and authorship.
Learn more
- Compare adaptation through [[fine-tuning|Fine-Tuning]] and [[retrieval-augmented-generation|Retrieval-Augmented Generation]].