English Reference

Word

weighted

Phoneticsweight·ed, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈweɪtɪd/

UK/wˈeɪtɪd/

Definitions

01statistically adjusted

B2 · Upper Intermediate Mathematics Academic · Technical

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

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

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

“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'.

Antonyms

unweightedraw

02physically heavy

B1 · Intermediate

adj. having weights attached to make something heavier or more stable.

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

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

“The divers used weighted belts to counteract the natural buoyancy of their thick neoprene wetsuits.”

Antonyms

03biased or unfair

C1 · Advanced Formal

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

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

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

“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'.

Real-World Examples

“Bar shot looks like a heavily weighted dumbbell.”
The Conversation 28 Aug 2026
“These programs were also heavily weighted toward one lever: values and behavior.”
Phys.org 15 Aug 2026

Domain

Statistics

This entry

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

QR code

englishreference.com/q/weighted

English Reference