Pharmaceuticals: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in formal or professional settings, such as the healthcare or scientific industry, to refer to all kinds of drugs and medications.

• Pharmaceuticals are carefully regulated to ensure safety and efficacy
• The pharmaceutical industry invests heavily in research and development

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to medicine prescribed or taken to treat illness or health conditions. It is neutral and widely acceptable.

• I have to take my medications every morning
• The pharmacy delivered my grandmother's medications to her house

A general term that can refer to both legal medications and illegal substances. Often used in a healthcare setting but can have negative connotations when referring to illegal substances.

• The doctor prescribed some drugs to help with the pain
• The police arrested him for possession of illegal drugs

A more general term that can refer to any substance used to treat illness or promote health, often used in everyday or informal language.

• Natural medicines have been used for centuries
• She keeps her medicines in a cabinet above the sink

Used most commonly in discussing medicines and medical substances, either in general or specific types.

• The research in pharmaceuticals opened new doors for cancer treatment.
• He is studying the effects of various pharmaceuticals on mental health.

Often used in discussions about the overall industry that produces and sells drugs, typically in economic or business contexts.

• Investment in the drug sector has increased significantly over the past decade.
• The drug sector is expected to see substantial growth with the introduction of new vaccines.