English Reference
Verb

prefabricated

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /pɹiˈfæbɹɪˌkeɪtɪd/ UK /pɹɪfˈæbɹɪkˌeɪtɪd/ pre·fab·ri·cat·ed

v.made in a factory and then put together on a building site. This is a faster way to build things like houses or offices.

v.manufactured in a factory and assembled on-site. Often used to describe modular construction or mass-produced components.


SIMPLE

The company built a prefabricated house in just two weeks.

CONTEXTUAL

To save time and money, the developers chose a prefabricated design for the new office complex.

COMPLEX

While critics argue that prefabricated architecture lacks the character of traditional masonry, proponents highlight its efficiency and environmental benefits in urban development projects.

Reducing that to class war jams working-class voters into a prefabricated progressive agenda rather than taking seriously what they are actually saying.

The Conversation· 7 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From pre- + fabricated.

Etymology 2

From prefabricate + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated