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C2 adjective #25,000 most common 8 min read

artificiality

Examples artificiality in 30 Seconds
Explanation artificiality in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'artificiality' is a very difficult word. Most beginners will not know it. Instead, they use simple words like 'fake' or 'not real.' If you are an A1 student, think of artificiality as the 'feeling' that something is made by people, not by nature. For example, if you see a plastic flower, it has 'artificiality' because it is not a real plant from the ground. It is important to know that this word is a noun. You might say 'I don't like the fake feeling,' but a more advanced person would say 'I don't like the artificiality.' To understand it, look at the word 'artificial.' You might know 'artificial intelligence' (AI). The 'ity' at the end makes it a thing or a quality. So, artificiality is just the name for being artificial. It's like 'happy' and 'happiness.' 'Artificial' is the adjective, and 'artificiality' is the noun. You won't use this word in daily conversation at this level, but you might see it in a book or on a sign in a museum. Just remember: natural = from the earth; artificiality = made by humans and feels a bit weird or fake. If you see a smile that looks like a robot's smile, that is artificiality. If you eat candy that tastes like chemicals, that is artificiality. It is a big word for a simple idea: it's not natural!
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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more complex nouns. 'Artificiality' is the noun form of 'artificial.' You probably know 'artificial' from phrases like 'artificial light' or 'artificial flavors.' Artificiality is the quality of being that way. For example, if you go to a park that is built on top of a shopping mall, you might notice its artificiality. Everything is clean and pretty, but it doesn't feel like a real forest. In English, we use '-ity' to turn adjectives into nouns that describe a state. So, 'artificiality' is the state of being artificial. You can use it to talk about things you see, like 'the artificiality of the plastic grass.' You can also use it to talk about how people act. If someone is being too nice and it feels like they are acting, you can say their behavior has a lot of artificiality. It's a useful word when you want to describe something that feels 'forced' or 'unnatural.' At this level, try to recognize the word when you read it. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but knowing it helps you understand more advanced English. It's often used in sentences with 'of,' such as 'the artificiality of...' followed by a noun. This helps you describe the specific thing that feels fake. It is a step up from just saying 'it's fake,' and it makes your English sound more formal and precise.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to understand 'artificiality' in various contexts, including social and environmental ones. This word describes the quality of something that is human-made or lacks naturalness. For instance, in a discussion about healthy eating, you might talk about the artificiality of processed foods, referring to the chemicals and synthetic ingredients they contain. In a literature class, you might discuss the artificiality of a character's dialogue, meaning the way they talk doesn't sound like a real person. The word is particularly useful for expressing a critique or a specific observation. It allows you to move beyond simple adjectives like 'fake' or 'unnatural' and describe the *essence* of that fakeness. You should also start to notice how it is used in contrast with 'authenticity' or 'naturalness.' For example: 'The authenticity of the old village was lost due to the artificiality of the new tourist attractions.' Notice how 'artificiality' functions as a noun here. You should also be aware of its word family: 'artificial' (adjective), 'artificially' (adverb), and 'artificiality' (noun). Using the noun form correctly shows that you have a good grasp of English word formation. You might use it in writing tasks, such as essays about technology or modern life, where you want to argue that certain things are becoming too detached from nature. It’s a word that adds a layer of sophistication to your vocabulary and helps you express more complex opinions.
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At the B2 level, 'artificiality' becomes a key term for analyzing and discussing abstract concepts. You are expected to use it not just for physical objects (like 'the artificiality of synthetic fibers') but for social and psychological phenomena. For example, you might analyze the artificiality of social media interactions, where people only show the best parts of their lives, creating a curated and unnatural image. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in formal essays and debates. It often appears in discussions about art, architecture, and sociology. You should also understand the nuance between 'artificiality' and related words like 'insincerity' or 'affectation.' While 'insincerity' is about a person's lack of honesty, 'artificiality' is a broader term that can describe a whole system, a style of art, or a way of life. For instance, 'the artificiality of the courtly life in the 18th century' refers to the complex and unnatural rules of behavior that people had to follow. You should also be able to use collocations like 'blatant artificiality,' 'perceived artificiality,' or 'the inherent artificiality of...' This level of vocabulary allows you to engage with more complex texts, such as opinion pieces in newspapers like The Guardian or The New York Times, where writers often use 'artificiality' to critique modern culture or political rhetoric. It is a powerful word for expressing the idea that something is 'staged' or 'constructed' rather than organic and spontaneous.
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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'artificiality' and be able to use it to explore deep philosophical and aesthetic themes. You will likely encounter this word in literary criticism, where it might be used to describe 'meta-fiction' or works that deliberately draw attention to their own artificiality (the fact that they are stories, not reality). You should be able to discuss the 'deliberate artificiality' of certain artistic movements, such as Pop Art or Postmodernism, where the use of synthetic materials and commercial imagery is a central theme. At this level, you can also use the word to describe complex social structures or political systems. For example, you might write about the 'artificiality of the nation-state,' arguing that borders are human-made constructs that don't always reflect natural geographic or cultural divisions. You should also be sensitive to the tone the word carries; it often implies a critical or detached perspective, suggesting that the speaker is looking at something from the outside and evaluating its lack of 'truth.' You should be able to integrate it into complex sentence structures, such as: 'The pervasive artificiality of the digital age has led to a renewed yearning for tactile, analog experiences.' Here, 'artificiality' serves as the anchor for a complex thought about cultural trends. You should also be aware of its historical connotations, such as how the meaning of 'artificial' has shifted from 'full of art/skill' in the Renaissance to 'fake' in modern times, and how 'artificiality' reflects this tension.
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At the C2 level, 'artificiality' is a tool for high-level synthesis and critique. You should be able to use it to navigate the complexities of contemporary thought, particularly in areas like post-structuralism, environmental ethics, and advanced aesthetics. You might use it to discuss the 'ontological artificiality' of virtual reality environments, where the very nature of existence is human-defined and non-biological. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'artificiality' as a negative trait and as a 'heightened reality' in artistic contexts, such as in the works of Oscar Wilde, who famously championed artificiality over the 'drabness' of nature. You should be able to use the word with precision in academic writing, perhaps discussing the 'artificiality of the distinction between nature and culture.' Your usage should reflect an understanding of how artificiality can be a form of 'artifice'—a skillful construction that serves a specific purpose, whether that be political, social, or artistic. You should also be able to recognize and use it in idiomatic or highly formal contexts, such as 'the artificiality of the proceedings' (referring to a legal or formal event that felt like a mere formality). At C2, you are not just using a word; you are engaging with a concept that has been debated by thinkers for centuries. Your ability to deploy 'artificiality' in a way that acknowledges its history and its various shades of meaning—from the synthetic to the insincere to the highly stylized—is a hallmark of near-native or native-level mastery.
Examples

artificiality in 30 Seconds

  • Artificiality describes the quality of being man-made or unnatural, often used to critique things that feel fake, forced, or synthetic in nature or behavior.
  • As a noun, it refers to the state of being artificial, covering everything from chemical additives in food to insincere social interactions and highly stylized art.
  • It is a high-level vocabulary word used frequently in art criticism, sociology, and academic writing to discuss the gap between the natural and the constructed.
  • The word often carries a neutral or negative connotation, highlighting a lack of authenticity or spontaneous origin in a person, object, or environment.
The concept of artificiality refers to the quality of being produced by human effort rather than occurring naturally. In its most literal sense, it describes the state of objects or environments that are synthetic or man-made. However, in a more nuanced and frequently academic or critical context, it describes human behavior, social constructs, or artistic expressions that feel forced, insincere, or lacking in genuine essence. When we speak of the artificiality of a situation, we are often pointing out a perceived gap between what is presented and what is authentic. This word is a cornerstone of cultural criticism, used to analyze everything from the planned layouts of suburban neighborhoods to the highly curated personas found on social media platforms. It carries a weight of observation, suggesting that the observer has looked beneath a surface and found a lack of organic roots.
Environmental Context
In urban planning, artificiality might refer to the lack of natural green spaces or the rigid, geometric design of streets that ignores the natural topography of the land. It suggests a dominance of human will over the natural world.

The artificiality of the theme park's 'Alpine Village' was evident in the fiberglass mountains and the looped sound of yodeling.

Social Context
In social interactions, it describes a person's mannerisms that feel rehearsed. A politician’s smile might be criticized for its artificiality if it doesn't reach their eyes, suggesting a calculated attempt to appear friendly.

Critics often debate the artificiality of modern pop music, questioning if the heavy use of pitch correction erases the singer's true talent.

Philosophical Context
Philosophers like Jean Baudrillard have explored the artificiality of the 'hyperreal,' where the simulation of a thing becomes more real to us than the thing itself.

There was a certain artificiality in the way the new district was designed to look like an ancient European town.

She was struck by the artificiality of the corporate jargon used in the meeting.

The artificiality of the lighting in the studio made everyone look like mannequins.

Using artificiality correctly requires an understanding of its role as a noun that describes a state or quality. It often serves as the subject of a sentence or the object of a preposition like 'of' or 'in'. Because it is an abstract noun, it is frequently paired with adjectives that specify the type or degree of the artificiality being discussed. For instance, 'blatant artificiality' suggests something obviously fake, while 'subtle artificiality' implies a more hidden or sophisticated lack of genuineness. In formal writing, it is often used to critique social norms or artistic styles. You might write about the 'artificiality of social etiquette' to suggest that polite rules are a human invention that can stifle true emotion.
Subject Position
The artificiality of the dialogue in the play made it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters. Here, the word acts as the main noun phrase, focusing the reader's attention on the specific quality of the speech.

Despite the artificiality of the setting, the actors delivered a deeply moving performance.

Object Position
Many people dislike the artificiality inherent in reality television shows. In this case, 'artificiality' is the object of the verb 'dislike,' describing the specific trait that causes the negative reaction.

The artificiality of the flavor was so strong that I couldn't finish the drink.

Collocations
Commonly paired with verbs like 'expose,' 'critique,' 'embrace,' or 'reject.' For example: 'He rejected the artificiality of city life and moved to a farm.'

There is a pervasive artificiality in modern marketing campaigns that consumers are beginning to see through.

The artificiality of his laughter made everyone in the room feel uncomfortable.

You are most likely to encounter artificiality in intellectual discussions, academic essays, and high-level journalism. It is a favorite term among art and film critics who analyze the style and production of creative works. For example, a film critic might discuss the 'stylized artificiality' of a Wes Anderson movie, where the symmetrical framing and vibrant colors are clearly not meant to look like real life. In the world of fashion, editors might discuss the 'deliberate artificiality' of a runway show meant to shock or inspire. Beyond the arts, it appears in psychological and sociological contexts, particularly when discussing modern identity. You will hear it in podcasts or read it in long-form articles about the impact of the internet on human connection. It is also used in the sciences, particularly in fields like biochemistry or material science, when discussing the difference between natural compounds and their lab-created counterparts.
Art Criticism
'The artificiality of the stage design highlighted the emotional truth of the performance.' Critics use this to explain how non-realistic elements can actually enhance a message.

In his essay, the author laments the artificiality of suburban life, where every lawn is perfectly manicured but devoid of character.

Academic Discourse
'Post-modernists often embrace artificiality as a way of acknowledging that all human perception is mediated.' Here, it is used as a neutral, descriptive term for a philosophical stance.

The artificiality of the sweetener was noticeable, leaving a metallic aftertaste.

Scholars have long noted the artificiality of national borders, which often cut through ethnic and linguistic communities.

Daily Observation
While less common in casual slang, you might say it when complaining about a product: 'I can't stand the artificiality of these fake wood floors.'
A frequent mistake is confusing artificiality with 'artifice' or simply using the adjective 'artificial' when the noun is required. While 'artifice' also relates to lack of naturalness, it specifically implies cleverness, trickery, or skill used to deceive. Artificiality is more about the state or quality itself, rather than the intent behind it. Another error is using artificiality to mean 'artistry' or 'creativity.' While both involve human production, 'artistry' is almost always positive, whereas 'artificiality' often carries a neutral or negative connotation of being 'fake' or 'unnatural.' Learners also sometimes use it as an adjective (e.g., 'the artificiality flowers'), which is grammatically incorrect; you must use 'artificial' as the adjective and 'artificiality' as the noun.
Artificiality vs. Artifice
'The artificiality of the room' describes its look. 'The artifice of the salesman' describes his deceptive behavior. Don't swap them!

Incorrect: He spoke with great artificiality skill. Correct: He spoke with great artistry, though some noted the artificiality of his tone.

Noun/Adjective Confusion
Remember: 'The flowers are artificial' (adjective). 'The artificiality of the flowers is obvious' (noun).

Incorrect: I don't like the artificiality flavor. Correct: I don't like the artificiality of the flavor.

Incorrect: The artificiality was very high in the room. Correct: The level of artificiality in the room's design was high.

Contextual Misuse
Avoid using 'artificiality' when 'falseness' is better. Falseness implies a lie; artificiality implies something man-made or non-natural. A lie has falseness, but a plastic tree has artificiality.
When exploring alternatives to artificiality, it is important to choose a word that matches the specific nuance you intend to convey. If you are focusing on the quality of being man-made, 'syntheticness' or 'manufactured nature' might work, though they are less elegant. If you are focusing on the lack of sincerity in behavior, 'insincerity,' 'affectation,' or 'phoniness' are strong candidates. 'Affectation' is particularly useful when describing a person who adopts a fake way of speaking or behaving to impress others. In technical contexts, 'simulation' or 'mimicry' might be appropriate.
Artificiality vs. Insincerity
Artificiality is a broad quality of not being natural. Insincerity is a specific human trait of not being honest about one's feelings. You can have an artificial smile that is actually sincere (perhaps you are just shy), but an insincere smile is always a lie.

The affectation in his voice was even more annoying than the artificiality of his arguments.

Artificiality vs. Syntheticness
Syntheticness refers strictly to chemical or material composition. Artificiality is a more abstract, often critical observation of the result.

The contrivance of the plot was so obvious that the artificiality of the ending didn't surprise anyone.

Some critics prefer the term falsity when discussing ethics, but artificiality is better for aesthetics.

Synonym Summary
- Unnaturalness (general) - Insincerity (behavioral) - Falseness (moral) - Synthetics (material)
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Examples by Level

1

The flowers have a lot of artificiality.

The flowers look fake.

Noun as subject complement.

2

I don't like the artificiality of this park.

The park does not feel real.

Noun following 'of'.

3

His smile had some artificiality.

His smile was not real.

Direct object.

4

This food has too much artificiality.

This food is not natural.

Uncountable noun.

5

The artificiality of the room was strange.

The room looked man-made.

Subject of the sentence.

6

Is there artificiality in that photo?

Is that photo fake?

Question form.

7

We saw the artificiality of the fake grass.

We saw the fake grass.

Noun phrase.

8

The doll's face had an artificiality.

The doll's face looked fake.

Using 'an' with artificiality (rare but possible).

1

The artificiality of the set made the movie feel cheap.

The fake background was bad.

Cause and effect.

2

She noticed the artificiality in his voice when he lied.

She heard his voice sound fake.

Prepositional phrase 'in his voice'.

3

The artificiality of the sweetener was very strong.

The sugar substitute tasted fake.

Subject of the sentence.

4

Many people hate the artificiality of reality TV.

People don't like fake TV shows.

Verb + object.

5

I was surprised by the artificiality of the lake.

The lake was man-made.

Passive voice construction.

6

The artificiality of the colors was beautiful but weird.

The colors were not natural.

Compound adjective 'beautiful but weird'.

7

There is a certain artificiality to this neighborhood.

This area feels man-made.

There is + noun.

8

The artificiality of his behavior was obvious to everyone.

Everyone saw he was acting.

Adjective 'obvious' modifying the noun.

1

The author critiques the artificiality of modern social etiquette.

The writer dislikes fake social rules.

Academic verb 'critiques'.

2

He was struck by the artificiality of the shopping mall's atmosphere.

The mall felt very fake.

Participle phrase 'struck by'.

3

The artificiality of the dialogue ruined the play for me.

The fake-sounding speech was bad.

Subject governing the verb 'ruined'.

4

We need to reduce the artificiality in our food production.

We need more natural food.

Infinitive phrase 'to reduce'.

5

The artificiality of the lighting made the room feel cold.

The fake lights were not warm.

Resultative construction.

6

I prefer natural beauty over the artificiality of plastic surgery.

I like real faces more than fake ones.

Comparison using 'over'.

7

The artificiality of the situation made it hard to relax.

The fake feeling made it stressful.

Causality.

8

She spoke about the artificiality of internet friendships.

She said online friends aren't always real.

Prepositional object.

1

The blatant artificiality of the politician's promise was clear.

It was obvious the politician was lying.

Adjective 'blatant' emphasizes the noun.

2

The artificiality of the urban landscape can be overwhelming.

Living in a man-made city is tough.

Modal verb 'can be'.

3

Critics often point out the artificiality of the movie's ending.

Critics say the ending was forced.

Reporting verb 'point out'.

4

The artificiality of the diamond was only detectable by an expert.

Only a pro knew the diamond was fake.

Adverb 'only' modifying the adjective.

5

There is an inherent artificiality in any staged performance.

All shows are somewhat fake by nature.

Adjective 'inherent' describes the nature.

6

The artificiality of the social hierarchy was challenged by the revolution.

The fake class system was attacked.

Passive voice.

7

The artificiality of the flavor was a result of synthetic additives.

The fake taste came from chemicals.

Noun as part of a 'result of' phrase.

8

He struggled with the artificiality of his new corporate identity.

He didn't like his fake work persona.

Verb + prepositional phrase.

1

The film's deliberate artificiality serves to alienate the audience.

The movie is fake on purpose to make people think.

Infinitive of purpose.

2

The artificiality of the legal system can sometimes hinder justice.

The fake rules of law can stop fairness.

Complex subject.

3

Postmodern art often celebrates artificiality as a form of truth.

Modern art likes being fake to show reality.

Abstract concept usage.

4

The artificiality of the boundary between nature and culture is a key theme.

The idea that nature and culture are separate is fake.

Noun phrase as theme.

5

The sheer artificiality of the neon-lit city was mesmerizing.

The total fakeness of the city was beautiful.

Intensifier 'sheer'.

6

We must acknowledge the artificiality of our own perceptions.

We must see that our views are constructed.

Modal of necessity.

7

The artificiality of the court proceedings was noted by the press.

The media said the trial felt like a show.

Passive reporting.

8

The writer uses artificiality to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

The writer uses fakeness to show how silly things are.

Verb + object + infinitive.

1

The ontological artificiality of the digital realm challenges our sense of self.

The fake nature of the internet changes who we are.

Highly technical adjective 'ontological'.

2

Wilde’s aestheticism championed artificiality as superior to nature.

Wilde liked man-made beauty more than natural beauty.

Historical reference.

3

The artificiality of the narrative structure mirrors the protagonist's fragmented mind.

The fake way the story is told shows the hero is crazy.

Metaphorical usage.

4

There is a profound artificiality in the way history is often reconstructed.

History books are often very fake and planned.

Adjective 'profound' for depth.

5

The artificiality of the peace treaty was exposed by the subsequent conflict.

The fake peace was proven by the new war.

Causal link.

6

He critiqued the artificiality of the gender roles imposed by society.

He attacked the fake rules for men and women.

Sociological context.

7

The artificiality of the oasis in the desert was a testament to human engineering.

The man-made garden showed how smart people are.

Noun as testament.

8

The pervasive artificiality of the discourse made genuine debate impossible.

The fake way people talked stopped real talk.

Adjective 'pervasive'.

Synonyms

insincerity falseness unnaturalness fabrication pretension affectedness

Antonyms

authenticity naturalness sincerity

Common Collocations

blatant artificiality
perceived artificiality
stark artificiality
deliberate artificiality
expose the artificiality
reject artificiality
inherent artificiality
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