The term "shift left" in DevOps refers to the practice of integrating testing and quality assurance earlier in the software development lifecycle. This approach emphasizes collaboration between development, operations, and QA teams, allowing for earlier detection of issues and reducing overall development time. By shifting focus to quality from the start, teams can improve software reliability and reduce costs associated with late-stage bug fixes. The main goal is to create a more efficient, proactive workflow that ultimately enhances product delivery.