English Reference
noun

production

n.
US /pɝˈdəkʃən/ UK /pɹədˈʌkʃən/ pro·duc·tion UK spelling production's, production's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the process of making or growing things to be sold.

    the systematic process of manufacturing, growing, or creating goods or components.

    Simple

    The company moved its car production to a larger factory last year.

    In context

    The sudden increase in demand forced the electronics firm to streamline its production line to avoid significant shipping delays.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the total amount of something that is produced.

    the total quantity of a product or commodity yielded within a specific timeframe.

    Simple

    Oil production has increased steadily over the last few months.

    In context

    Agricultural production reached record levels this season due to exceptionally favourable weather conditions and improved irrigation techniques.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Theatre

    a play, film, or broadcast, including the work that goes into making it.

    the process of organising and presenting a dramatic work, or the work itself.

    Simple

    The school's production of 'Romeo and Juliet' was a huge success.

    In context

    The high-budget production featured elaborate costumes and digital effects that transformed the small stage into a sprawling cityscape.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the act of showing something, like a document or ID, for people to check.

    the act of bringing something forward for inspection or consideration.

    Simple

    The officer asked for the production of a valid driving licence.

    In context

    The court ordered the production of all internal emails related to the contract negotiations to ensure full transparency during the trial.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the place where finished software or websites are actually used by the public.

    the live environment where software is deployed for end-users, as opposed to development or testing stages.

    Simple

    We need to test the new feature thoroughly before we move it to production.

    In context

    The engineering team spent the weekend monitoring the production servers after the latest update caused unexpected latency for international users.

    Usage

    often used as a modifier, as in 'production server' or 'production code'

    live environment
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    an activity that is made much more complicated or dramatic than it needs to be.

    an elaborate or exaggerated display or process that is more complex than the situation warrants.

    Simple

    He made a big production out of simply choosing a place for dinner.

    In context

    She made such a production of clearing her desk that everyone in the office stopped working to watch her.

    Usage

    usually follows 'make a' or 'make such a'

Usage production company · production capacity · agricultural production


From Middle English produccioun, from Old French production, from Latin prōductiō, prōductiōnem (“a lengthening, prolonging”). Equivalent to produce + -tion. See produce.

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

This entry
Origin Latin productio
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated