English Reference
verb · adjective

manufactured

v. · adj.
US /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃɝd/ UK /mˌænjuːfˈæktʃəd/ man·u·fac·tured

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.made something in large amounts using machines and factories.

    v.produced goods on a large scale using machinery and industrial processes.

    Simple

    The company manufactured thousands of cars at its plant last year.

    In context

    The firm manufactured high-precision components for the aerospace industry, maintaining rigorous quality control standards throughout the production cycle.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice to focus on the product rather than the maker.

    producedfabricatedmass produced
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describes something made by people or machines rather than occurring in nature.

    adj.produced by human effort or industrial means; not occurring naturally.

    Simple

    The river was polluted by manufactured chemicals from the nearby factory.

    In context

    The distinction between natural fibers and manufactured materials has become increasingly blurred by advances in textile engineering.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.describes something that is not real or honest, but was created to trick people.

    adj.contrived, artificial, or invented, often with the intent to deceive or create a false impression.

    Simple

    The politician's manufactured smile did not make him look more friendly.

    In context

    The scandal was largely a manufactured crisis, designed by the opposition to distract the public from the successful economic reforms.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is often used to criticize public figures or media stories that feel forced or insincere.

Pop-up concerts are invariably exercises in manufactured scarcity and Thursday’s was no exception, but the performance itself never felt like a promotional stunt.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026

If the vaccine is needed, it would be manufactured at Moderna's new plant at Harwell in Oxfordshire which currently produces Covid vaccines for the UK.

BBC News· 21 Apr 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated