ersatz
Say it: AIR-zats /ˈɛəzæts/ · adjective
What “ersatz” means
An inferior substitute for the real thing.
More precisely: Used as an inferior substitute for something real.
Example: “The hotel served ersatz coffee that tasted like hot cardboard.”
When to use it
When criticising a substitute that feels less convincing or satisfying than the original, often with a dismissive tone.
Similar words
fake, imitation, substitute
Where it comes from
German Ersatz, 'replacement'.
Quick check
A theatre uses cheap plastic flowers that look unconvincing beside real blooms. You could describe those flowers as…
vintage or ersatz?
Show the answer
ersatz
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