readymade
C1Formal, Business, Artistic
Definition
Meaning
Already made, prepared, or available for use; not requiring further creation or assembly.
Something mass-produced, standardized, or lacking individuality; often used in art to describe ordinary manufactured objects selected and presented as works of art.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation of being generic or lacking special, tailored qualities. In art history, it is a specific term associated with Marcel Duchamp.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English more commonly uses the hyphenated 'ready-made'. American English slightly prefers the solid compound 'readymade', especially in artistic contexts. Both forms are understood in both regions.
Connotations
Connotations are largely identical. In business contexts, it may imply convenience versus lack of customisation.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both. More common in business, manufacturing, and art discourse than in everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
used attributively (a readymade suit)used predictively (The solution was readymade)followed by 'for' (readymade for assembly)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is used descriptively.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to products available for immediate sale without customisation, e.g., 'We stock readymade software packages.'
Academic
Used in art history and criticism to discuss Duchamp's work and its legacy.
Everyday
Describes convenient, pre-prepared items, especially food or clothing, e.g., 'I bought a readymade curry.'
Technical
In manufacturing/construction, denotes prefabricated components.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Very rare as an adverb; typically 'ready-made' used adjectivally)
American English
- (Very rare as an adverb; typically 'readymade' used adjectivally)
adjective
British English
- She purchased a ready-made suit for the interview.
- The supermarket offers a range of ready-made desserts.
American English
- He opted for a readymade cabinet from the home store.
- The company provides readymade templates for the report.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like readymade pizza from the supermarket.
- She wears readymade dresses.
- We bought readymade furniture for the new flat.
- It's easier to use a readymade solution than to create your own.
- The proliferation of readymade digital assets has democratised design but also fostered a certain homogeneity.
- His argument was a readymade construct, borrowed wholesale from the prevailing ideology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'ready-made' sandwich in a shop – it's already made, so you don't have to make it.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVENIENCE IS A PRE-PACKAGED OBJECT / LACK OF ORIGINALITY IS A MASS-PRODUCED ITEM
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'готовый сделанный'. Use 'готовый' (готовое платье), 'фабричного производства', or the loanword 'редимейд' in art contexts.
- Do not confuse with 'ready' ('готов') alone; 'readymade' implies complete, finished product.
Common Mistakes
- *It's a ready made. (Incorrect spacing; should be hyphenated or solid)
- Using it as a verb (*I will readymade this).
- Confusing with 'ready-to-wear' (specific to clothing).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'readymade' a specific, historic term of art?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All three forms are seen. 'Ready-made' (hyphenated) is common in UK English. 'Readymade' (solid) is standard in US English, especially in artistic contexts. 'Ready made' (open) is generally considered incorrect in formal writing.
The strongest antonyms are 'bespoke' (UK) / 'custom-made' (US), 'tailor-made', and 'made-to-order'. These imply something created specifically for an individual's requirements.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. For example, a 'readymade excuse' or a 'readymade opinion' implies an idea that is adopted without original thought, much like a pre-packaged product.
'Ready-to-wear' is a specific term in the fashion industry for off-the-rack clothing (prêt-à-porter). 'Readymade' is broader, applying to food, furniture, solutions, etc. All ready-to-wear clothes are readymade, but not all readymade items are ready-to-wear.