metrication: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “metrication” mean?
The process of converting a country's measurement system to the metric system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of converting a country's measurement system to the metric system.
The gradual adoption, implementation, and standardization of metric units (metres, kilograms, litres) in place of imperial or customary units (feet, pounds, gallons) within a nation's economy, education, and daily life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The UK completed an official metrication programme between 1965-1980, so the term often refers to that historical process. In the US, the term is used in policy debates, industry contexts, or to describe the slow, incomplete, and often resisted adoption of metric units.
Connotations
UK: historical process, mostly complete, sometimes associated with EU integration. US: ongoing political/scientific debate, contested, associated with globalisation and education reform.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK historical/policy contexts. Lower frequency in US general discourse, but present in science/engineering/global trade discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “metrication” in a Sentence
The metrication of [country/industry]Metrication in [country/field]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metrication” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government planned to metricate the road signs by 1973.
- We metricated our factory's production specifications in the 1980s.
American English
- The science community has long urged Congress to metricate educational standards.
- Few industries have fully metricated their operations voluntarily.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use.]
adjective
British English
- The metrication process was largely complete by the late 1970s.
- There was a metrication timetable for different industries.
American English
- The metrication debate resurfaces every few decades.
- Metrication efforts have faced significant public pushback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in international trade and manufacturing to discuss standardising product specifications and packaging to metric units for global markets.
Academic
Common in history, sociology, and public policy papers analysing national science/industrial policy and its social impact.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in news discussions about road signs (miles vs km) or in nostalgic conversations about pre-decimal currency.
Technical
Used in engineering, science education, and standards organisations when discussing unit system alignment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metrication”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metrication”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metrication”
- Using 'metrication' to mean simply using a metric measurement in a sentence (e.g., 'The metrication of the room is 5 metres' – incorrect).
- Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a metrication').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Metrication' is more common in British English, while 'metrification' is slightly more common in American English, though both are understood in both variants.
The UK began an official metrication programme in 1965, which was largely completed by the early 1980s, though some imperial units (like the mile and the pint) remain in official use for specific purposes.
The US has not undergone a comprehensive, government-mandated metrication like the UK. Metric is the preferred system for science, medicine, and the military, and it is legal for trade, but customary units remain dominant in everyday life and many industries.
The verb is 'to metricate'. For example: 'The company decided to metricate all its technical drawings.'
The process of converting a country's measurement system to the metric system.
Metrication is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Metrication: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmetrɪˈkeɪʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmetrɪˈkeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: METRIC + NATION. The action of making a nation use the metric system.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY (from one system to another), A STANDARDISING FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'metrication'?