A2noun1K

Factory

UK /["/ˈfæktri//ˈfæktəri/"]/US /["/ˈfæktri//ˈfæktəri/"]/

Definition

a building or group of buildings where goods are made, mainly by machine

In simple words: A place where things are made.

Examples

  • a car factory
  • The factory closed down ten years ago.
  • She works in the local textile factory.
  • **factory workers**
  • He works in a shoe factory.
  • They had to close the factory down in the recession.
  • capital to set up a ceramics factory
  • a chocolate/​clothing/​soap factory
  • This record label has become a real hit factory *(= one that produces a lot of successful songs)*.
  • These universities are becoming colourless degree factories, with no sense of what higher learning is really about.

Usage notes

Use this word in a neutral or business context. Avoid using it in casual conversations or informal settings that don't relate to work or manufacturing.

Grammar pattern

factory + noun (e.g. factory worker)

Memory hint

Think of 'factory' as a 'fact-or-y' place where facts are turned into products.

Collocations

  • large
  • small
  • modern
  • build
  • open
  • set up
  • make something
  • produce something
  • open
  • manager
  • owner
  • worker
  • at factory
  • in factory

Synonyms

  • plant
  • mill
  • manufacturing facility
  • industrial complex

Antonyms

  • home
  • field
  • office

Common mistakes

  • Confuse with 'factory' vs 'manufacture' - factory is a place, manufacture is a process.
  • Use 'factories' incorrectly in singular contexts.
  • Mix up 'factory' with 'workshop', which usually refers to smaller, less industrial places.