Cosmetics are substances such as lipstick or powder, which people put on their face to make themselves look more attractive.
2. adjective
If you describe measures or changes as cosmetic, you mean they improve the appearance of a situation or thing but do not change its basic nature, and you are usually implying that they are inadequate.
[disapproval]
It is a cosmetic measure which will do nothing to help the situation long term.
In general, the students view these changes as merely cosmetic.
Synonyms: superficial, surface, touching-up, nonessential More Synonyms of cosmetic
cosmetic in British English
(kɒzˈmɛtɪk)
noun
1.
any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it
adjective
2.
serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face
3.
having no other function than to beautify
cosmetic illustrations in a book
4. derogatory
designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial
their resignation is a cosmetic exercise
Derived forms
cosmetically (cosˈmetically)
adverb
cosmeticology (cosˌmetiˈcology)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Greek kosmētikos, from kosmein to arrange, from kosmos order
cosmetic in American English
(kɑzˈmɛtɪk)
adjective
1.
beautifying or designed to beautify the complexion, hair, etc.
2.
for improving the appearance by the removal or correction of blemishes or deformities, esp. of the face
3.
of or for improving the appearance without making any basic changes, as to conceal defects, make more acceptable, etc.; also, superficial
noun
4.
any cosmetic preparation for the skin, hair, etc., as blusher and powder
5.
anything cosmetic
often used in pl.
Derived forms
cosmetically (cosˈmetically)
adverb
Word origin
Gr kosmētikos, skilled in arranging < kosmein, to arrange, adorn < kosmos, order
Examples of 'cosmetic' in a sentence
cosmetic
They want to charge them for work such as cosmetic surgery to remove harmless lumps.
The Sun (2017)
He doesn't care about cosmetic surgery.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Email me at the address below for my e-leaflet on pros and cons of cosmetic surgery.
The Sun (2016)
Cosmetic surgery is a gory, surprisingly rough business.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
So he set about making cosmetic changes, brightening it up with new lighting and splashes of colour on the walls.
The Sun (2016)
She dabbled with cosmetic surgery.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is also extending its cosmetics, fragrance, active wear and petite ranges.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
As well as being in and out of rehab, in 2006 she underwent cosmetic surgery after her nasal septum collapsed.
The Sun (2016)
This plant is known for its healing effect and is used in many cosmetic and hair products.
Colette Harris, With Theresa Cheung PCOS DIET BOOK: How you can use the nutritional approach to deal with polycysticovary syndrome (2002)
Half of women and a third of men would consider cosmetic ops.
The Sun (2016)
Online cosmetics and perfume retailing was still new.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
There have been cosmetic changes in the past few years.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She could not sing for weeks and had to have cosmetic dentistry.
The Sun (2006)
When is cosmetic surgery not cosmetic surgery?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Is this a cosmetic exercise so clubs appear to show more concern?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
So the big cosmetics manufacturers build in limits to the power of their products.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Most often the cosmetics boutiques carry only one line of skin care products and other cosmetics.
Brumberg, Elaine Take Care of Your Skin (1990)
No one in a pharmaceutical business really respects cosmetics and perfumes.
Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)
Some of the changes announced are cosmetic at best.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
She says outright that she would definitely consider cosmetic surgery.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers stand to prosper from their anxieties about their beauty and health.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This is not a cosmetic exercise.
The Sun (2011)
It enters a joint venture to make and sell cosmetics in China.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There are perfumes and swimwear lines, cosmetics and books.
The Sun (2013)
And a popular self-employment route for women is selling cosmetics.
The Sun (2015)
The number of men having cosmetic ops shot up 81 per cent.
The Sun (2006)
And in the world of stardom, the perfect smiles are mostly down to cosmetic dentistry.
The Sun (2007)
I went home and booked into a cosmetic surgery clinic.
The Sun (2012)
We talk so much about female empowerment and yet we don't feel able to admit to having any sort of cosmetic enhancement.
The Sun (2014)
Obviously, for cosmetics and fragrance houses, a scent is liquid money.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
For when it comes to cosmetic enhancement, women can't win.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Also, there are now more men selling cosmetic products, particularly skin care.
Brumberg, Elaine Take Care of Your Skin (1990)
I still remember the smell of foundation cream and face powder, of cosmetics and finely toned skin that hit me backstage at my first show.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
cosmetic
British English: cosmetic NOUN
Cosmetics are substances such as lipstick or powder, which people put on their face to make themselves look more attractive.
...the cosmetics counter of a department store.
American English: cosmetic
Brazilian Portuguese: cosméticos
Chinese: 化妆品
European Spanish: cosmético
French: produit de beautéN
German: Kosmetikum
Italian: cosmetico
Japanese: 化粧品
Korean: 화장품
European Portuguese: cosméticos
Latin American Spanish: cosmético
British English: cosmetic ADJECTIVE
If you describe measures or changes as cosmetic, you mean they improve the appearance of a situation or thing but do not change its basic nature, and you are usually implying that they are inadequate.
It is a cosmetic measure which will do nothing to help the situation long term.
American English: cosmetic
Brazilian Portuguese: cosmético
Chinese: 装门面的
European Spanish: cosmético
French: cosmétique
German: kosmetisch
Italian: di facciata
Japanese: 外見を取りつくろった
Korean: 표면상의
European Portuguese: cosmético
Latin American Spanish: cosmético
(adjective)
Definition
improving in appearance only
It is a cosmetic measure which will not help the situation in the long run.
Synonyms
superficial
It may well look different but the changes are only superficial.