Industrial: meaning, definitions and examples

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industrial

 

[ ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

revolution

Relating to or characterized by industry; hard-working, diligent, and skillful in making things by hand or machine.

Synonyms

commercial, factory, manufacturing, productive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
industrial

Used to describe anything related to industry, such as processes, communities, or types of activity.

  • The city is known for its industrial heritage.
  • They work in an industrial zone outside the town.
manufacturing

Focusing on the process of making goods using machinery in factories. It often refers to the entirety of the production process.

  • Their company specializes in the manufacturing of electronic devices.
  • Manufacturing jobs have declined in recent years.
factory

Specifically referring to buildings or places where goods are produced in large quantities, often by machinery.

  • She works in a shoe factory.
  • The factory produces thousands of cars every month.
commercial

Refers to activities related to buying and selling goods and services, emphasizing business and trading aspects.

  • They launched a new commercial advertising campaign.
  • The commercial district of the city is very busy on weekdays.
productive

Describing the ability to produce a large amount of goods, services, or results. Not limited to industry and can refer broadly to effectiveness.

  • It was a highly productive meeting.
  • The farmland is very productive, yielding high crops each season.

Examples of usage

  • Industrial workers are the backbone of the economy.
  • She comes from a long line of industrial craftsmen.
  • The industrial revolution marked a significant shift in manufacturing processes.
  • His industrial skills are highly sought after in the market.
  • Industrial design combines functionality and aesthetics.
Context #2 | Adjective

safety

Designed or suitable for use in industry.

Synonyms

commercial, factory, manufacturing, professional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
industrial

Used to describe activities or areas involving the production of goods, often on a large scale.

  • The city's industrial zone is expanding rapidly.
  • He took a job in an industrial plant.
commercial

Refers to activities or spaces related to business, trade, or commerce, often focusing on buying and selling goods or services.

  • The building was converted into commercial office spaces.
  • We need a more aggressive commercial strategy to boost sales.
manufacturing

Used when talking about the actual process of making goods, especially on a large scale using machinery.

  • The country has a strong manufacturing sector.
  • They are investing in advanced manufacturing technologies.
factory

Specifically denotes a location where goods are manufactured or assembled, typically involving machinery and workers.

  • She works in a car factory on the assembly line.
  • The factory produces thousands of units each day.
professional

Describes people engaged in a profession that requires specialized knowledge and often formal qualifications, or the behavior expected in such contexts.

  • She is a highly professional lawyer.
  • His professional attitude impressed the interviewers.

Examples of usage

  • Industrial safety regulations are strictly enforced in the factory.
  • The workers wear industrial-grade protective gear.
  • This machine is an industrial model, meant for heavy-duty use.
Context #3 | Noun

area

A place where manufacturing takes place; a factory or industry.

Synonyms

factory, industrial park, manufacturing plant, mill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
industrial

This term is generally used to describe something related to industries or the production of goods. It can refer to an area, a sector or activities.

  • The city is known for its industrial development.
  • Industrial equipment is used in large-scale manufacturing.
factory

This word typically refers to a building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured or assembled, usually in large quantities.

  • She works at a shoe factory.
  • The factory was shut down due to poor working conditions.
manufacturing plant

Often used interchangeably with 'factory', but it typically emphasizes the production process, especially when referring to a larger and more complex facility.

  • The car manufacturing plant is the largest employer in the region.
  • Inspectors visited the manufacturing plant to ensure it met safety standards.
industrial park

This phrase describes an area where multiple factories, manufacturing plants, and other industrial facilities are located.

  • The new company is setting up its headquarters in the industrial park.
  • An industrial park often has better access to transportation and utilities.
mill

This term is often used for facilities where raw materials like grain, lumber, or textiles are processed. It tends to imply smaller-scale production and sometimes has historical connotations.

  • He took a job at the local paper mill.
  • The old mill was converted into a history museum.

Examples of usage

  • The industrial zone is located on the outskirts of the city.
  • She works in the industrial sector, overseeing production.

Translations

Translations of the word "industrial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 industrial

🇮🇳 औद्योगिक

🇩🇪 industriell

🇮🇩 industri

🇺🇦 промисловий

🇵🇱 przemysłowy

🇯🇵 工業の

🇫🇷 industriel

🇪🇸 industrial

🇹🇷 endüstriyel

🇰🇷 산업의

🇸🇦 صناعي

🇨🇿 průmyslový

🇸🇰 priemyselný

🇨🇳 工业的

🇸🇮 industrijski

🇮🇸 iðnaðar

🇰🇿 өнеркәсіптік

🇬🇪 სამრეწველო

🇦🇿 sənaye

🇲🇽 industrial

Etymology

The word 'industrial' originated in the early 17th century, from the French industriel or medieval Latin industrialis, based on Latin industria 'diligence'. The term became popular during the Industrial Revolution, a period of major industrialization that transformed economies and societies through the development of machinery, manufacturing, and production processes. The concept of industrialization continues to shape modern economies and technologies.

See also: agroindustry, industrialist, industriously, industry.

Word Frequency Rank

At #847 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.