ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mutated

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmjuˌteɪtɪd// UK //mjuːtˈeɪtɪd// mu·tat·ed

adj. changed into a new or different form because of a shift in its genetic structure. You use this to describe living things or viruses that have developed new traits.

adj. having undergone a permanent alteration in genetic sequence. Often used to describe organisms or viruses that have evolved new characteristics through biological change.


SIMPLE

The mutated virus spreads more quickly than the original one.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists identified a mutated strain of the crop that is naturally resistant to common pests.

COMPLEX

In the wake of the environmental disaster, researchers documented several mutated species of amphibians that exhibited unusual physical traits not seen in previous generations.

Synonyms
Usage

Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun as a participial adjective.

Pitfall

The virus was mutateThe virus was mutatedWhen describing the state of having changed, the past participle form 'mutated' must be used as an adjective.

© 2026 English Reference