artificial
gb/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl/ us/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl/
A2
English
~ 6000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
made by people, not natural
Made by people, not by nature.
Usage pattern:
[artificial + noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *artificial* instead of *fake* for people or news (e.g., *artificial news*). Use *artificial* mainly for man-made objects or substances, and *fake* or *false* for things that pretend to be real, such as *fake news* or *false documents*.
Synonyms
man-made (Common everyday word; slightly more informal and concrete.)
|
synthetic (Often used for materials and chemicals rather than general objects.)
Antonyms
natural (Stresses that something comes from nature and is not made by people.)
Collocations
artificial light
|artificial flowers
|artificial grass
|artificial sweetener
|artificial lake
|artificial teeth
Themes
science
|daily life
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The room was filled with harsh artificial light from the ceiling panels.
- She decorated the table with artificial flowers that looked almost real.
- Many athletes now train on artificial grass instead of natural turf.
- The city built an artificial lake to store water during the dry season.
- I try to avoid drinks with artificial colors or flavors.
Learner examples
- There is no sun in the room, only artificial light.
- He bought an artificial tree for Christmas.
- These flowers are artificial, but they look real.
- The team plays on an artificial field.
- This candy has an artificial taste.
adjective
B1
property
2
not genuine, insincere
Not real or honest, but made to look or sound that way.
Usage pattern:
[artificial + emotion/behavior/appearance]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse *artificial* with *fake* or *false*. *Fake* often suggests an intention to trick someone (for example, *fake ID*), while *artificial* in this sense often means something just feels unnatural or overdone, even if nobody is trying to cheat.
Synonyms
insincere (Focuses more directly on a lack of honesty or real feeling.)
|
forced (Emphasizes that something does not happen naturally and feels strained.)
Antonyms
genuine (Stresses that feelings or behavior are real and honest.)
Collocations
artificial smile
|artificial laugh
|artificial charm
|artificial manner
|sound artificial
Themes
emotions
|communication
Examples
- He greeted us with an artificial smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
- Her laughter sounded artificial, as if she were trying too hard to impress them.
- The dialogue in the movie felt stiff and artificial.
- They complained that the host’s friendliness was polite but a little artificial.
- The speech was full of artificial emotion and empty phrases.
Learner examples
- Her smile was artificial, not real.
- His laugh sounded artificial to me.
- The conversation felt artificial and strange.
- People do not like artificial feelings.
- The movie was good, but the love story was artificial.
adjective
technical
B2
property
3
human-made imitation of natural systems
Made by people, especially with computers, to work like something in nature.
Usage pattern:
[artificial + system/process]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think *artificial intelligence* always means a human-like robot. In everyday use, it more often refers to software or systems that can learn, decide, or solve problems, not just robots.
Synonyms
simulated (Highlights that the system copies or models something rather than being the real thing.)
Antonyms
biological (Contrasts human-designed systems with systems made by living organisms.)
Collocations
artificial intelligence
|artificial neural network
|artificial life
|artificial environment
Themes
technology
|science
Examples
- Artificial intelligence is already used to recommend videos and songs online.
- The company is developing an artificial neural network to improve image recognition.
- Scientists study artificial life to understand how living systems might emerge.
- The experiment was done in an artificial environment that copied conditions on Mars.
- He believes artificial general intelligence is still many years away.
Learner examples
- Many phones now use artificial intelligence to edit photos.
- The program uses an artificial neural network to find patterns.
- Some games have strong artificial intelligence for the computer player.
- We tested the robot in an artificial environment.
- Scientists talk about artificial life in their research.
adjective
B2
property
4
unnatural or overly formal
Not natural or simple, but too formal or planned, so it feels strange.
Usage pattern:
[artificial + style/arrangement/boundary]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse *artificial* where *formal*, *unnatural*, or *forced* would sound more natural, especially for language or behavior. For example, say *formal language* more often than *artificial language*.
Synonyms
unnatural (Broad word showing something does not feel normal or simple.)
|
contrived (Stronger; suggests something is obviously planned and not believable.)
Antonyms
natural (Suggests something feels easy, real, and not forced.)
Collocations
artificial style
|artificial boundary
|artificial distinction
|artificial atmosphere
|artificial separation
Themes
communication
|culture
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The novel’s ending felt artificial, as if it had been added just to please readers.
- Critics said the film created an artificial sense of tension with loud music.
- The border between the two regions is an artificial line drawn on a map.
- They opposed what they saw as an artificial distinction between art and entertainment.
- The company tried to create an artificial sense of urgency with a countdown timer.
Learner examples
- The story had an artificial happy ending.
- Their talk created an artificial feeling of drama.
- The line between work and play is sometimes artificial.
- The rule makes an artificial difference between two similar things.
- The smile in the ad looks artificial and strange.
unknown
technical
C1
property
5
man-made replacement in medicine
Used to talk about a man-made body part or medical action that does the job of the body.
Usage pattern:
[artificial + body part/function/procedure]
Common mistake:
Learners may say *robot leg* instead of the more natural *artificial leg* or *artificial limb* in medical contexts. *Robot* is usually for machines that move and act on their own, not for passive replacement body parts.
Synonyms
prosthetic (Used mainly for replacement body parts, especially limbs.)
Antonyms
natural (Describes body parts or functions that are not replaced by devices or procedures.)
Collocations
artificial limb
|artificial heart
|artificial hip
|artificial ventilation
|artificial respiration
Themes
medicine
|science
|health
|body
Examples
- After the accident he was fitted with an artificial limb.
- The patient survived thanks to an artificial heart that kept blood flowing.
- Some patients require artificial ventilation in the intensive care unit.
- Doctors performed artificial respiration until the ambulance arrived.
- She walks without pain now because of an artificial hip joint.
Learner examples
- He uses an artificial leg after the accident.
- The man lived for many years with an artificial heart.
- The hospital gave her artificial ventilation to help her breathe.
- They did artificial respiration on the swimmer.
- She has an artificial hip, so she can walk again.
Grammar
Dictionary form
artificial
IPA
GB/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl/
US/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl/
Syllables & stress
ar - ti - fi - cial (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (fi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: artificial
Word family
Core family
artificially
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
natural
adjective A2
Advanced or less common
artificiality
noun
Expressions
artificial grass
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɡɹˈæs/
fixed phrase
synthetic surface like grass
A green plastic surface that looks like real grass and is used on sports fields or in gardens.
Examples
- The stadium has artificial grass so it can be used in all weather.
- They put artificial grass in the small backyard to avoid cutting the lawn.
artificial heart
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl hˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
technical
mechanical device replacing the heart
A machine put in the body that moves blood when the person’s real heart cannot work.
Examples
- Doctors implanted an artificial heart while the patient waited for a transplant.
- Artificial hearts can keep patients alive for months or even years.
artificial insemination
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɪnsˌɛmənˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
medical fertilization without intercourse
A medical way to help a woman or animal become pregnant by putting sperm inside her body without sex.
Examples
- Many farms use artificial insemination to improve the quality of their animals.
- The couple decided to try artificial insemination after years of infertility.
artificial lake
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl lˈeɪk/
fixed phrase
man-made body of water
A lake that people make, for example by building a dam or digging a big hole and filling it with water.
Examples
- The city built an artificial lake in the park for boating.
- Many artificial lakes are used to store drinking water.
artificial life
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl lˈaɪf/
fixed phrase
technical
man-made systems that mimic life
Computer programs or other things that humans make which act in some ways like living things.
Examples
- Researchers use artificial life to study how complex behavior can evolve.
- The simulation creates artificial life forms that compete and cooperate.
artificial light
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl lˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
non-natural light from devices
Light that comes from lamps, bulbs, or other man-made things, not from the sun.
Examples
- Plants in the office are grown under artificial light.
- I prefer natural light to artificial light when I’m reading.
artificial limb
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl lˈɪm/
fixed phrase
man-made replacement arm or leg
An arm or leg made by people that a person uses when they have lost their real arm or leg.
Examples
- After the surgery he learned to walk again with an artificial limb.
- Modern artificial limbs can move in very natural ways.
artificial reef
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɹˈif/
fixed phrase
man-made structure for sea life
A structure that people put under the sea so that fish and plants can live on it, like on a natural reef.
Examples
- The old ship was sunk to create an artificial reef.
- Artificial reefs can help restore damaged marine ecosystems.
artificial respiration
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɹˌɛspɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
helping someone breathe artificially
A medical way of pushing air into a person’s lungs when they cannot breathe on their own.
Examples
- The lifeguard gave artificial respiration to the drowning victim.
- Artificial respiration must be started quickly in an emergency.
artificial respiration
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɹˌɛspɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
helping someone breathe manually
A way to help a person breathe in an emergency.
Examples
- The lifeguard gave artificial respiration until the paramedics arrived.
- If the person is not breathing, start artificial respiration immediately.
- Training courses teach when and how to provide artificial respiration safely.
artificial selection
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl səlˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
human-controlled breeding for traits
When people choose which animals or plants can have babies so that some features become stronger or more common.
Examples
- Dog breeds were created through centuries of artificial selection.
- Artificial selection can quickly change the appearance of a plant species.
artificial snow
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl snˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
machine-made snow for slopes
Snow that is made by machines, often used at ski resorts when there is not enough real snow.
Examples
- The ski resort used artificial snow to keep the slopes open.
- Warm winters mean that many mountains now depend on artificial snow.
artificial sweetener
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl swˈitnɚ/
fixed phrase
man-made sugar substitute
A chemical that is not sugar but makes food or drink taste sweet, often with fewer calories.
Examples
- She drinks her coffee with an artificial sweetener instead of sugar.
- Some people avoid artificial sweeteners because they do not like the aftertaste.
artificial flavor
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl flˈeɪvɚ/
fixed phrase
man-made taste in food
A chemical that is put in food to make it taste like something, for example strawberry, but does not come from the real fruit.
Examples
- This yogurt contains no artificial flavors or colors.
- Some people prefer candy with artificial flavor because it tastes stronger.
artificial flavor
2/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl flˈeɪvɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
man-made flavoring substance
A chemical made by people that is put into food or drink to give it a special taste, not from natural sources.
Examples
- This candy contains no artificial flavor or color.
- Some people prefer drinks without artificial flavors.
- The label must clearly list any artificial flavors used.
artificial neural network
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl njˈʊɹəl nˈɛtwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
technical
brain-inspired computing model
A kind of computer program with many connected parts that works in a simple way like a brain, and can learn from data.
Examples
- The image recognition system is based on an artificial neural network.
- The course begins with basic ideas behind artificial neural networks.
- Artificial neural networks are widely used in speech recognition and translation.
- Artificial neural networks have transformed the field of image recognition.
artificial intelligence
1/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɪntˈɛlɪd͡ʒəns/
fixed phrase
technical
Human-like thinking by machines
The ability of computers or robots to think and learn like humans.
Examples
- Artificial intelligence is used in self-driving cars.
- Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work.
- She is studying artificial intelligence at university.
- Many apps now use artificial intelligence to improve user experience.
artificial intelligence
2/ˌɑɹtəfˈɪʃəl ɪntˈɛlɪd͡ʒəns/
fixed phrase
machine ability to act intelligently
The ability of a computer or machine to do things like learn, solve problems, and make decisions, similar to a human mind.
Examples
- Artificial intelligence helps websites show you products you might like.
- Many people worry about how artificial intelligence will change jobs in the future.