What does "weighted" mean?

1. (statistically adjusted) adjusted so that some parts of a total are treated as more important than others. 2. (physically heavy) having weights attached to make something heavier or more stable. 3. (biased or unfair) organised in a way that gives one person or group an unfair advantage.

How do you use "weighted"?

Often used with 'average' or 'score'. Commonly followed by the prepositions 'against' or 'in favour of'.

weighted

adj.

US //ˈweɪtɪd// UK //wˈeɪtɪd// weight·ed

1 statistically adjusted (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Technical Math

adjusted so that some parts of a total are treated as more important than others.

calculated by multiplying components by factors that reflect their relative importance or frequency in a population.

Example

The survey results were weighted to make sure younger people were represented fairly.

Example

The final grade is a weighted average, meaning the end-of-year exam carries significantly more value than the weekly quizzes.

Usage

Often used with 'average' or 'score'.
- adjusted
- proportional
- unweighted
- raw
2 physically heavy (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

having weights attached to make something heavier or more stable.

fitted or loaded with additional mass to provide stability, resistance, or downward pressure.

Example

She wore a weighted vest during her walk to make the exercise harder.

Example

The divers used weighted belts to counteract the natural buoyancy of their thick neoprene wetsuits.
- heavy
- ballasted
- loaded
- lightweight

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3 biased or unfair (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

organised in a way that gives one person or group an unfair advantage.

deliberately structured or biased to favour a particular outcome or party.

Example

The interview process felt weighted against outside candidates who didn't know the staff.

Example

Critics argued that the voting system was weighted in favour of larger states, leaving smaller regions with little influence.

Usage

Commonly followed by the prepositions 'against' or 'in favour of'.