# DLC

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dlc
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. video game content

noun · CEFR B1 · Technical

Stands for Downloadable Content. Extra features, levels, or items you can add to a video game after you already own it.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Downloadable Content. Digital material released by a developer to expand or update a previously released video game, often sold as a separate purchase.

- I bought the new DLC because it adds three extra hours of story to the game.
- The studio faced criticism for releasing essential story elements as paid DLC rather than including them in the base game at launch.

Usage: Usually functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the concept, but can be countable when referring to specific packs.

### 2. diamond-like carbon

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

Stands for Diamond-Like Carbon. A very hard material used to coat tools or watches to protect them from scratches.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Diamond-Like Carbon. A class of amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of diamond, used as a protective coating.

- The watch has a DLC coating to make it more resistant to scratches.
- Engineers specified a DLC finish for the internal engine components to significantly reduce friction and wear over the vehicle's lifespan.

Usage: Used as an uncountable noun in materials science and engineering contexts.

### 3. dual-listed company

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

Stands for Dual-Listed Company. A business structure where two separate companies act as a single business but stay on two different stock markets.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Dual-Listed Company. A corporate structure in which two corporations function as a single operating business through legal equalization agreements while maintaining separate legal identities and stock exchange listings.

- The merger resulted in a DLC structure with listings in both London and Sydney.
- The board evaluated the tax implications of maintaining a DLC versus a full unified corporate merger across the two jurisdictions.

Usage: Primarily used in corporate law and international finance.

## Examples

- I bought the new DLC to get more levels.
- The game studio announced a major DLC expansion that adds ten hours of story to the main campaign.
- While some players appreciate DLC for extending the life of their favorite titles, others criticize the practice when essential story elements are sold separately from the base game.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.