cosmetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cosmetic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something designed to enhance the beauty or appearance of a person or thing. For example: "She bought a cosmetic to cover up a blemish on her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Apfel has seized the imagination not as a couture fashion plate but as an example to a free-spirited, adventurous New York mindset that, these days, seems in danger of getting lost beneath the anodyne beauty of a Manhattan aesthetic that worships cosmetic dentistry and blow-drying above individuality or creativity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But in the last five years we've seen cosmetic dentistry also feature very significantly".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Speaking for the first time since taking on the job, Morgan revealed that any alterations to England's style would be more cosmetic than reconstructive.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is hard to see how proposals for European democracy could avoid being either just cosmetic or contradictory.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When I was in high school, in the 1980s, cosmetic orthodontic work was seen as a necessary rite of passage," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The hardline anti-Europeans on the Tory benches, their antennae twitching for signs that their leader is about to betray them, are already suspicious that he wants a quick timetable because he's only looking to secure some modest concessions that they will condemn as merely cosmetic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cosmetic dentistry is to do with patient choices as well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Coalition immigration spokesman, Scott Morrison, just back from talks in Indonesia, said the government was only proposing "cosmetic changes before an election".

The Guardian

Another wondered if some cosmetic surgery had gone wrong.

The Guardian

He told me a few years ago that he found the work "very superficial and cosmetic and we didn't get to the heart of anything".

The Guardian

"Manifest considers these changes to be merely cosmetic as the concerns regarding overall quantum remain," said Sarah Wilson, chief executive of Manifest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cosmetic" to describe changes or improvements, consider whether the changes are truly superficial or if they have a more significant underlying impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cosmetic" when a more substantial or fundamental change has occurred. Using "cosmetic" in such instances may undermine the significance of the alteration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cosmetic" is an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something related to enhancing appearance or being superficial. Ludwig provides various examples, such as "cosmetic dentistry" and "cosmetic changes".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cosmetic" is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that enhances appearance or is merely superficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It's frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, implying a relatively neutral register. Common usages include "cosmetic surgery" and "cosmetic changes". When using "cosmetic", consider whether it accurately reflects the depth or significance of the changes being described. Alternatives include "superficial" and "aesthetic", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Superficial

Emphasizes the lack of depth or importance.

Aesthetic

Relates specifically to beauty and appearance.

Skin-deep

Emphasizes the lack of deeper significance or impact.

Surface-level

Focuses on the external aspect rather than deeper substance.

Beautifying

Specifically relates to making something more beautiful.

Decorative

Highlights the ornamental or beautifying function.

Enhancing

Focuses on improving or accentuating existing features.

Ornamental

Similar to decorative, but can imply excess or embellishment.

Make-up

Refers to products used to enhance facial features.

External

Indicates a focus on the outward appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "cosmetic" in a sentence?

You can use "cosmetic" to describe something that enhances appearance, such as "cosmetic surgery" or "cosmetic changes".

What is a synonym for "cosmetic"?

A synonym for "cosmetic" is "superficial", especially when referring to changes that don't affect the core or underlying structure.

Is "cosmetic" always related to beauty?

While often associated with beauty, "cosmetic" can also describe changes made to the surface of something, regardless of whether they enhance its beauty. The term indicates a surface-level alteration.

What's the difference between "cosmetic" and "aesthetic"?

"Cosmetic" generally refers to surface-level enhancements, while "aesthetic" relates to the overall beauty or artistic appearance. A cosmetic change is intended to improve aesthetics, but aesthetics is broader.