ENGLISH
REFERENCE

affected

adj. · n.
US //əˈfɛktɪd// UK //ɐfˈɛktɪd// af·fect·ed
  1. 1 changed or influenced (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    changed or influenced by something else, often in a negative way.

    influenced, changed, or impacted by an external factor, frequently used in medical or environmental contexts.

    Example

    The areas affected by the flood are still without electricity.

    Example

    The regions most severely affected by the drought have seen a significant decline in agricultural output over the last three fiscal quarters.

  2. 2 artificial or fake (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    acting in a way that is not natural or sincere, usually to impress people.

    artificial, pretentious, or designed to impress; describing behavior or speech that lacks genuineness.

    Example

    He spoke with an affected accent that made him sound like he was from another country.

    Example

    Her affected mannerisms and constant name-dropping made it difficult for her colleagues to engage with her on a professional level.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 emotionally moved (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    feeling strong emotions because of something you have seen or heard.

    emotionally moved or touched by a particular experience or piece of information.

    Example

    She was deeply affected by the sad news of her friend's accident.

    Example

    The audience was visibly affected by the soloist's haunting performance, remaining in silence for several moments after the final note.

  2. 4 a person impacted (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical

    a person who has been hurt or changed by something like a disease or a disaster.

    a person who is impacted by a specific condition, disaster, or disease; often used in the plural.

    Example

    The government is providing extra support for the affected of the earthquake.

    Example

    The clinical trial focused on the long-term recovery of the affected, specifically those who had exhibited symptoms for more than six months.

© 2026 English Reference