# plastic

/ˈpɫæstɪk/ (US) · /plˈɑːstɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plastic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the material

noun · CEFR A2

a strong, light material made by people that can be shaped into many things.

For teachers: a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymer that can be moulded into solid objects.

- We are trying to use less plastic to help the environment.
- The durability of modern plastic makes it an ideal material for medical equipment, though its environmental persistence remains a significant global concern.

### 2. credit or debit cards

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

cards used to pay for things instead of using cash.

For teachers: credit, debit, or other payment cards viewed collectively as a medium of exchange.

- I don't have any cash on me, so I'll have to pay with plastic.
- The vendor preferred cash for small transactions, though he was equipped to accept plastic for any purchase over twenty pounds.

### 3. made of plastic

adjective · CEFR A2

made from the material plastic.

For teachers: composed of or containing any of various synthetic or semi-synthetic amorphous solids.

- The children played with a set of plastic animals in the garden.
- The interior of the vehicle was finished with high-grade plastic components designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without warping.

### 4. fake or insincere

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

not real or honest; describing someone who acts in a fake way.

For teachers: artificial or superficial in appearance or behaviour; lacking in authenticity.

- He gave her a plastic smile that didn't reach his eyes.
- The politician's plastic persona failed to resonate with voters who were looking for a more authentic and relatable candidate.

### 5. malleable

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

easy to shape or change.

For teachers: capable of being moulded or receiving form; exhibiting adaptability to environmental changes.

- The clay is very plastic and easy for the students to work with.
- The brain is remarkably plastic during early childhood, allowing for rapid neural reorganisation in response to new sensory experiences.

## Examples

- We should try to use less plastic in our daily lives.
- The manufacturer replaced the heavy glass bottles with lightweight plastic ones to reduce shipping costs.
- While plastic revolutionized the packaging industry due to its versatility and low cost, its resistance to natural degradation has created a significant environmental challenge for modern waste management systems.

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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.