The meaning of ARTIFICIAL is made, produced, or done by humans especially to seem like something natural : man-made. How to use artificial in a sentence.

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.

artificial adjective (NOT SINCERE) not sincere; not truly intended: an artificial smile

Not arising from natural or necessary causes; contrived or arbitrary: "Hausa [in Niger] ... are separated from their brethren in Nigeria by a porous and artificial border that the colonial powers left behind" …

If you describe someone or their behaviour as artificial, you disapprove of them because they pretend to have attitudes and feelings which they do not really have.

Apr 9, 2026 · artificial (comparative more artificial, superlative most artificial) Man-made; made by humans; of artifice. quotations The flowers were artificial, and he thought them rather tacky.

There are 23 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word artificial, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Biology based on arbitrary, superficial characteristics rather than natural, organic relationships: an artificial system of classification. Jewelry manufactured to resemble a natural gem, in chemical …

Made or contrived by art, or by human skill and labor: opposed to natural: as, artificial heat or light; an artificial magnet. Made in imitation of or as a substitute for that which is natural or real: as, artificial …

Artificial refers to something that is made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally or in the environment. It often implies an imitation of something natural or a real version, or a product …