# manmade

/ˈmænˈmeɪd/ (US) · /mˈænmeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manmade
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

made by people rather than by nature. You use this to describe things like plastic, concrete, or pollution that are created in a factory or by human activity.

For teachers: produced or created by human effort rather than occurring naturally. Often used to distinguish synthetic or industrial materials from organic or geological ones.

## Examples

- Plastic is a manmade material that does not break down easily.
- The lake was once a natural habitat, but now it is a manmade reservoir used for hydroelectric power.
- Environmentalists argue that the accumulation of manmade waste in the ocean has reached a critical threshold, threatening the survival of several marine species.

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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.