refurbished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refurbished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item, typically electronics or furniture, that has been restored to a good working condition after being used or damaged. Example: "I bought a refurbished laptop that works like new at a fraction of the price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rooms from £41 (riadbamboo.com) Riad Dar Zaman This 18th-century riad in the old town has been refurbished as a four-room guesthouse with African artworks and soft Berber rugs.

The Guardian - Travel

Inside, my room was small and basic, but recently refurbished.

The Guardian

So it seems this year the Blairs are off to Barbados to stay with either (depending on your choice of daily newspaper) top Christian and Wimbledon a cappella ace Sir Cliff Richard (a £3 million mansion) or leading Tory backer and JCB digger maestro Sir Anthony Bamford at his Heron Bay paddette (no price available, but recently refurbished for countless millions).

The Guardian - Travel

Among tour operator Noble Caledonian's fleet of vessels is the Island Sky, a small, elegant ship that was refurbished last year.

The Guardian - Travel

Yesterday he boasted that sales in the stores refurbished so far were up 3%-5 3%-5%

The Guardian - Business

At the Subhas (doubles from £25 per night, subhasgroup.com), where we stay, only one wing is so far refurbished, but the welcome is friendly, and we're pampered with room-service breakfasts of dosai or warm roti, with vegetable curry, spicy sambol, fruit and tea.

The Guardian - Travel

Rugby will remain at a refurbished, larger capacity Ravenhill, while the Gaelic Athletic Association will receive millions to improve facilities at Casement Park in West Belfast.

The Guardian

Such is the cloud of controversy hanging over Manchester's recently refurbished Central Library, and revelations that have come to light thanks to a Freedom of Information request.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Machrihanish Golf Club's old clubhouse, which had been converted into a pub in the 1970s, has been refurbished and renamed the Old Clubhouse Pub, and eight two-bedroom cottages have been built right by the shore on Machrihanish Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

It's full of period appeal, from the main arched courtyard to the open fire and mounted antlers in the cosy lounge, and the interior has been smartly refurbished, with bunk rooms ranged along deep-red panelled corridors.

The Guardian - Travel

This is seen by Israel as an attempt to soften the insistence of President George Bush's administration that the reforms include his own removal from power.Mr Sharon maintains that any refurbished security apparatus must be run by a Palestinian untarnished by terror.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items as "refurbished", be specific about what aspects have been restored or improved. For example, "a refurbished engine with new pistons and valves" provides more clarity than simply "a refurbished engine".

Common error

Don't assume that "refurbished" is just a fancy word for "used". A "used" item is simply pre-owned, while a "refurbished" item has been professionally restored to good working order and often comes with a warranty.

Linguistic Context

The word "refurbished" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe items that have been restored or improved. It is commonly used to indicate that a product, building, or space has been renovated or brought back to a better condition. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "refurbished" is a common and correct adjective used to describe items that have been restored or improved to a better condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in a variety of contexts, with a neutral register. It's often used in the news, business, and travel sectors. When using the term, be sure to clarify what aspects of the item were improved. Alternatives include "renovated", "restored", and "reconditioned", depending on the specific context. Remember that "refurbished" is distinct from "used", as it implies a professional restoration process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reconditioned

Similar to "refurbished" but often used in the context of mechanical or electronic equipment.

renovated

Focuses more on structural or aesthetic improvements, often implying a larger-scale project than "refurbished".

restored

Emphasizes bringing something back to its original condition, often associated with antiques or historical items.

revamped

Suggests a more significant transformation or modernization than "refurbished".

overhauled

Usually refers to a thorough inspection and repair of machinery or equipment.

repaired

Focuses solely on fixing damage or defects, without necessarily implying an improvement in overall condition.

upgraded

Focuses on improving the performance or features of something, rather than just restoring it to its original condition.

rebuilt

Implies a complete reconstruction or remanufacturing of something, often from its component parts.

modernized

Specifically emphasizes bringing something up to date with current standards or technology.

touched up

Implies minor cosmetic improvements, rather than a complete restoration or overhaul.

FAQs

What does "refurbished" mean?

"Refurbished" means that an item has been returned to the manufacturer or a vendor, inspected, repaired if necessary, and restored to full working order. It may have minor cosmetic imperfections but functions like new.

What is the difference between "refurbished" and "used"?

A "used" item is simply pre-owned and sold as is. "Refurbished" items have been inspected and restored to working order, often with a warranty. "Refurbished" items are typically in better condition than "used" items.

Are "refurbished" products reliable?

Yes, "refurbished" products can be reliable, especially when purchased from reputable sources that offer warranties. They have been tested and restored to proper function, making them a cost-effective alternative to buying new.

What can I say instead of "refurbished"?

You can use alternatives like "reconditioned", "restored", or "renovated" depending on the context.