Word
cosmetic
Phoneticscos·met·ic, stress on the second syllable
US/kɑzˈmɛtɪk/
UK/kɒzmˈɛtɪk/
Definitions
01makeup product
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a substance such as cream, powder, or lipstick that you put on your face or body to look more attractive.
n. a preparation or substance applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, or altering the appearance.
“She spent a lot of money on high-quality cosmetics at the department store.”
“The regulation of cosmetics ensures that the chemicals used in skincare products are safe for long-term daily application.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form 'cosmetics' when referring to makeup in general.
Synonyms
02improving appearance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. used to improve the way something or someone looks.
adj. relating to treatment intended to restore or improve a person's appearance.
“He decided to have cosmetic surgery to fix the shape of his nose.”
“While some procedures are medically necessary, others are purely cosmetic and aimed at boosting the patient's self-esteem.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03superficial
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. affecting only the surface or appearance of something, rather than its basic character.
adj. affecting only the appearance of something rather than its substance or essence; often used to imply a lack of depth.
“The repairs to the old house were mostly cosmetic, like painting the walls.”
“Critics argued that the government's policy changes were merely cosmetic and failed to address the root causes of the economic crisis.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“As top-selling weight-loss drugs help more U.S. men slim down, a growing number are seeking cosmetic treatments for sagging skin, hair loss and dental issues to complete their physical transformation, patients and plastic surgeons say.” “Type in the words "children and skincare" into various social media search engines and you won't struggle to find videos of hundreds of other young girls - some as young as three or four - enthusing over skincare products and make-up, or doing "get ready with me" or "after school" skincare videos where they talk about their plans for the day while using cosmetics.” “The couple is among swarms of K-beauty consumers in the United States who have stocked up to brace for a potential price hike on their favorite cosmetic and skin-care products.” “South Korea's top cosmetics company Amorepacific Group launches some 400 new Innisfree branded products a year, about half of which are no longer available a year later.” Etymology
From French cosmétique, from Ancient Greek κοσμητική (kosmētikḗ, “the art of dress and ornament”), κοσμητικός (kosmētikós), from κοσμητής (kosmētḗs, “orderer, director, decorator”), from κοσμέω (kosméō, “to order, to arrange, to rule, to adorn, to equip, to dress, to embellish”), from κόσμος (kósmos, “order”). By surface analysis, cosmos + -etic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cosmetic