emergent

USAGE SUMMARY

"emergent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe a situation that is rapidly developing, usually in a positive or negative way. For example, "The emergent COVID-19 pandemic has caused rapid changes in the way people live and work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dr Peter Walsh, researcher in emergent disease dynamics at the University of Cambridge, said there was no compelling evidence of changes that would make the virus more likely to become endemic.

The Guardian

There are as many stories of new wealth and emergent middle classes in Africa as there are of civic dysfunction.

The Guardian

In the spring of 2011, while other Tahrir protesters showered Scaf with praise, Seif led calls against the military's emergent oppression, in particular against the trial of civilians in military courts.

The Guardian

To get to grips with the surveillance risks that emergent technologies carry, policymakers need to broaden their scope of what privacy is.

The Guardian

While at UEA, his pioneering research shaped the emergent field of surface chemistry – identifying chemical catalytic reactions on crystallographically defined single-crystal metal surfaces, with vital applications in semiconducting, medicine and nanotechnology.

The Guardian

I guess the answer will be better AI and new emergent forms of story-telling.

The Guardian - Tech

Following that vilification of Kinnock, and the subsequent loss of an election Labour was expected to win, the party's emergent young guard – Peter Mandelson, Philip Gould and Alastair Campbell – forged a news management strategy in company with Tony Blair.

The Guardian

When you are confronted by a complex, emergent problem, don't try to pick out the one lever that is the key to the whole thing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But some companies are cheerfully doing the opposite preserving or resuscitating traditional technologies and business models.Ryan Raffaelli, of Harvard Business School, has examined these examples of "re-emergent technologies" in detail.

The Economist

They also have to be ready to reorientate themselves to new markets: the Chinese have proved enthusiastic buyers of Western heritage goods.The cunning of traditionThe success of these re-emergent technologies also has important lessons for how we think of disruptive innovation.

The Economist

Anger grew with the outbreak of the Arab spring in 2011, not only because the Saudis (and most other Arab monarchies) saw the uprisings as a threat, but because Qatar has doggedly and generously backed the re-emergent Muslim Brotherhood in every ensuing contest, from Libya and Tunisia to Egypt and Syria.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "emergent", ensure the context clearly indicates what is emerging from what, to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the emergent properties of the system" is clearer than just "the emergent system".

Common error

Avoid using "emergent" merely as a substitute for "new" or "novel". "Emergent" specifically implies that the thing arising is a result of simpler interactions, not just that it's recently created. Ensure you are using emergent to describe something that arises unexpectedly from a system's dynamics, and not just something new.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "emergent" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is newly coming into being or arising, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig. It suggests a state of becoming or a property that arises from simpler interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emergent" functions as an adjective denoting something in the process of coming into being or developing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While synonyms like "emerging" and "nascent" exist, "emergent" specifically emphasizes a state arising from simpler interactions. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is emerging from what. The term is frequently encountered in reputable sources like The Economist and The New York Times, solidifying its place in formal English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emerging

Replaces the adjective with its present participle form, emphasizing the ongoing process of becoming.

nascent

Indicates something newly born or just coming into existence.

developing

Highlights the process of growth and advancement.

arising

Focuses on the act of something coming into being or prominence.

newly formed

Emphasizes the recent creation or establishment of something.

inceptive

Describes the beginning stage or commencement of something.

sprouting

Suggests a rapid or sudden appearance, like a plant sprouting from the ground.

budding

Implies potential and future development, like a flower bud.

unfolding

Conveys a gradual and progressive revelation or development.

coming into being

A more descriptive phrase indicating the process of existence.

FAQs

How is "emergent" used in a sentence?

"Emergent" describes something that is coming into existence or developing. For example, "The "emergent technology" promises to revolutionize the industry".

What words can I use instead of "emergent"?

Alternatives to "emergent" include "emerging", "nascent", or "developing", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "emergent" and "emerging"?

"Emergent" is an adjective describing something new or arising, while "emerging" is the present participle of the verb "emerge", indicating an ongoing process of coming into being. The choice depends on whether you're describing a state or a process. An "emergent property" may be the result of an emerging trend.

Is "emergent" the same as "urgent"?

No, "emergent" and "urgent" have different meanings. "Emergent" refers to something coming into being, while "urgent" indicates something requiring immediate attention.