# weighted

/ˈweɪtɪd/ (US) · /wˈeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/weighted
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. statistically adjusted

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. physically heavy

adjective · CEFR B1

having weights attached to make something heavier or more stable.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. biased or unfair

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The teacher used a weighted average to calculate our final grades.
- The survey results were weighted to ensure that the opinions of younger voters were properly represented in the final report.
- In many professional certifications, the final exam is heavily weighted compared to the weekly assignments, reflecting its importance in demonstrating overall mastery of the subject matter.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.