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production

n.
US //pɝˈdəkʃən// UK //pɹədˈʌkʃən// pro·duc·tion
  1. 1 making things (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the process of making or growing things to be sold.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 2 total amount made (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the total amount of something that is produced.

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

    Example

    Oil production has increased steadily over the last few months.

    Example

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

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  1. 3 theatre or film (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 4 showing evidence (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

  3. 5 live software environment (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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
  4. 6 unnecessary fuss (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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'

Origin

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

Word family

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