crippleware
Intentionally crippled trial version
Crippleware is software deliberately limited in functionality to encourage purchasing the full version.
Key features may be disabled, output watermarked, or usage capped until the user pays.
The term carries a dismissive tone—the software isn't just incomplete but hobbled: The free version is crippleware that won't let you save files.
Formal request document
- programPlanned sequence of actions
- downloadRemote-to-local data transfer
- installerOne who sets up
- freewareComplimentary computer programs
shareware · trialware · adware · nagware · bloatware · abandonware · vaporware · malware
Judicial examination of claims
- demoShort trial presentation
- limitedRestricted in extent
- freemiumHybrid monetization approach
- upgradeRaise to higher standard
premium · unlock · subscription · conversion · teaser · hobbled · restricted · paid
Made unable to function
- cappedGiven a maximum limit
- watermarkedBearing faint embedded design
- time-limitedRestricted by duration
- strippedHad coverings removed
reduced · hampered · throttled · neutered · degraded · partial · incomplete · basic
Harming purchaser interests
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
- artificialMade, not natural
- intentionalDone on purpose
- frustratingCausing irritation, blocking progress
deceptive · manipulation · user-hostile · predatory · bait-and-switch · greedy · unethical · restrictive
application
Formal request document
freeware · shareware · trialware · adware · nagware · bloatware · abandonware · vaporware · malware · proprietary
trial
Judicial examination of claims
upgrade · premium · unlock · subscription · conversion · teaser · hobbled · restricted · paid · monetization
disabled
Made unable to function
- cappedGiven a maximum limit
- watermarkedBearing faint embedded design
- time-limitedRestricted by duration
stripped · reduced · hampered · throttled · neutered · degraded · partial · incomplete · basic · lite
anti-consumer
Harming purchaser interests
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
- artificialMade, not natural
- intentionalDone on purpose
frustrating · deceptive · manipulation · user-hostile · predatory · bait-and-switch · greedy · unethical · restrictive · backlash
- sharewaretrialware, nagware, registration fees, try before buy, nag screens
- pricing modelssubscription, volume discounts, bulk pricing, freemium, pay per use
- software licensinglicense agreement, EULA, license key, licensee, licensor
- software trialsbeta versions, time trials, game demos, shareware
- trial softwarefree trial, trial period, demo version
- unwanted softwareadware, bloatware, crapware, grayware, junkware
cripplewareopen source software
Programs with accessible code
open source · freeware · free software · shareware · freemium
wares, hardware, software, cripple, crippled, crippling, ware, crippler