Word
regulated
Phoneticsreg·u·lat·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛɡjəˌɫeɪtɪd/
UK/ɹˈɛɡjuːlˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. controlled or managed by a set of official rules or laws.
adj. governed by formal regulations, typically by a government or official body to ensure safety, fairness, or standardisation.
Examples
“The government regulated the price of bread to help the poor.”
“The new agency was created to ensure that the fishing industry is strictly regulated to prevent overfishing.”
“While the market was once entirely free, the state eventually regulated the flow of capital to prevent the kind of speculative bubbles that had previously crashed the economy.”
Examples
simple
“The government regulated the price of bread to help the poor.”
contextual
“The new agency was created to ensure that the fishing industry is strictly regulated to prevent overfishing.”
complex
“While the market was once entirely free, the state eventually regulated the flow of capital to prevent the kind of speculative bubbles that had previously crashed the economy.”
Usage
often used to describe industries like finance, medicine, or energy.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'regular'; clarify that 'regulated' implies external control, while 'regular' implies a pattern.
Real-World Examples
“The insects were exposed to gases containing several PFAS compounds, including PFOS, one of the most common and heavily regulated PFAS chemicals found in the environment.” “First, the drugs involved are highly regulated, making research and development more difficult.” Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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