artificial

American  

[ahr-tuh-fish-uhl] / ˌɑr təˈfɪʃ əl /

adjective

1. made by human skill; produced by humans (opposed to natural).

   artificial flowers.

   Synonyms:

   synthetic

2. imitation; simulated; sham.

   artificial vanilla flavoring.

   Synonyms:

   factitious, counterfeit

   Antonyms:

   real, genuine

3. lacking naturalness or spontaneity; forced; contrived; feigned.

   an artificial smile.

   Synonyms:

   factitious, counterfeit

4. full of affectation; affected; stilted.

   artificial manners; artificial speech.

   Synonyms:

   pretentious

5. made without regard to the particular needs of a situation, person, etc.; imposed arbitrarily; unnatural.

   artificial rules for dormitory residents.

6. Biology. based on arbitrary, superficial characteristics rather than natural, organic relationships.

   an artificial system of classification.

7. Jewelry. manufactured to resemble a natural gem, in chemical composition or appearance.

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artificial British  

/ ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl, ˌɑːtɪˌfɪʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. produced by man; not occurring naturally

   artificial materials of great strength

2. made in imitation of a natural product, esp as a substitute; not genuine

   artificial cream

3. pretended; assumed; insincere

   an artificial manner

4. lacking in spontaneity; affected

   an artificial laugh

5. biology relating to superficial characteristics not based on the interrelationships of organisms

   an artificial classification

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Usage

What does artificial mean? Artificial is used to describe things that are made or manufactured as opposed to occurring naturally. Artificial is often used as the opposite of natural. A close synonym of artificial is synthetic. This sense of the word is often used in the context of food to describe things like ingredients, flavors, additives, and preservatives that are chemically processed. Food packaging often specifies whether a product has natural or artificial flavors (or both). An artificial sweetener is a kind of chemical used as a substitute for sugar, such as in diet sodas. Artificial is not only used in the context of food. Artificial turf is a grasslike surface used for sports playing fields. Artificial diamonds are those that are manufactured, as opposed to those that have developed through natural processes in the earth. Artificial flowers are often used as decorations. Artificial intelligence generally refers to the ability of a computer to function in a way that mimics or is likened to the human mind. Sometimes, artificial is used in a more negative way to describe something as fake or imitation, as in Something about this tastes artificial. This sense of the word is sometimes used figuratively to describe something as being faked, phony, or contrived—the opposite of real or genuine, as in an artificial smile.  Example: The stadium just installed a field with artificial grass that is supposed to feel identical to real grass. 

Other Word Forms

• artificiality noun
• artificially adverb
• artificialness noun
• overartificial adjective
• overartificially adverb
• superartificial adjective
• superartificially adverb
• unartificial adjective
• unartificially adverb

Etymology

Origin of artificial

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin artificiālis “contrived by art”; equivalent to artifice + -al ¹

Explanation

From fake flowers to faux food flavors, our world is full of things that are artificial –- that is, produced by humans rather than by nature. While artificial can simply mean “made by humans,” it’s often used in a negative sense, conveying the idea that an artificial product is inferior to the real thing. If you remark that your friend’s new hair color looks artificial, for example, you’re not paying her a compliment. Artificial can also describe a behavior or expression that seems insincere — much like the smile on your girlfriend’s face if you bring her artificial flowers instead of real ones.

Example Sentences

The quality of the advice being given out by artificial intelligence is concerning England's top doctor.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Abrams’ latest Avery Keene novel, “Coded Justice,” came out last year and explores the role of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

He’s well aware he’s interacting with artificial intelligence but he doesn’t mind: It’s an opportunity to communicate without feeling judged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"Other labs have tried to make artificial neurons with organic materials, and they spiked too slowly," Hersam said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

I stare at the stump and then the artificial leg.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

Related Words

• man-made
• synthetic
• unnatural