WordGarden.ioartificiality
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɑːtɪfˌɪʃɪˈælɪti/
US
Meanings
Noun
the quality of seeming fake, synthetic, contrived, or not natural
Beyond the definition
Artificiality describes something that isn't natural or genuine—it's created or forced, often in an attempt to impress. Think of a perfectly posed photograph for social media; it might look good, but it lacks the spontaneity and honesty of a candid snapshot. A town built solely for tourists, with no real residents, would be steeped in artificiality. It's about appearances over authenticity.
Artificiality isn't always malicious. Sometimes people embrace a degree of artifice—a carefully chosen outfit or polished speech—to navigate social situations. But when it becomes excessive, it can feel hollow and distancing. Oscar Wilde famously quipped that "The truth is rarely pure and never simple," but too much embellishment risks slipping into complete artificiality.
Artificiality refers to the quality of being fake, contrived, or lacking in genuine feeling. It describes things that are deliberately created to appear natural or real, often masking a lack of authenticity. For example, you might describe a politician's overly rehearsed speech as displaying artificiality—it feels scripted and insincere rather than heartfelt.
The concept extends beyond just behavior; an "artificial" environment is one that is man-made and lacks the organic quality of nature. Think of plastic flowers or a theme park designed to mimic a historical period. These are examples where something natural has been replaced with a simulation.
Artificiality often implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or impress. A person who constantly brags about their accomplishments, exaggerating details for effect, is exhibiting artificiality. However, it's not always negative. In art and performance, deliberate artificiality can be a stylistic choice—think of an intentionally theatrical set, exaggerated makeup, or dialogue that sounds purposefully formal rather than natural.
The word carries connotations of superficiality and pretense. A society obsessed with appearances and status symbols could be described as being characterized by artificiality. It's about prioritizing how things seem over what they are. Ultimately, while some level of artifice is common in social interactions, excessive artificiality can erode trust and create a sense of disconnect.
Examples
- 1
Forced smile
There was a slight artificiality in his smile.
- 2
Script dialogue
The dialogue sounded polished, but the audience still noticed the artificiality of the script.
- 3
Interior design
She wanted the room to feel warm and lived-in, so she tried to avoid any artificiality in the design.
- 4
Social media
Many people are tired of the artificiality of social media, where every photo looks carefully staged.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Suspicious manner
Despite his friendly tone, there was an air of artificiality about him that made people cautious.
- Phrasean air of artificiality
a general feeling that someone or something seems false or unnatural
See also
Similar
- unnaturalness
- inauthenticity
- fakeness
Shades of meaning
- contrivance
- affectedness
- staginess
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- the artificiality of
- a sense of artificiality
- deliberate artificiality
- avoid artificiality
Word family
Explore
- simulation
- authentic experience
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- artificialitynoun