integrated

integrated — adjective

1. describing separate parts, systems, or methods that have been linked together to

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describing separate parts, systems, or methods that have been linked together to operate as a single, effective whole

Example

The new factory uses an integrated system that controls everything from production to shipping.

integrated system + singular verb 'controls'

Mizuki's team developed an integrated marketing approach combining online ads with in-store promotions.

collocation: integrated approach

Common collocations
  • integrated system
  • integrated approach
  • integrated solution
  • integrated circuit
  • integrated software
  • integrated platform
Synonyms
  • combined

    less specific about functional unity; simply means brought together

  • unified

    emphasises that parts form a single entity, often after a process of merging

  • coordinated

    focuses on parts working in harmony rather than being physically merged

  • seamless

    suggests smooth, invisible connections between parts, used figuratively

Antonyms
  • separate

    parts kept apart rather than joined into a whole

  • disjointed

    parts that do not connect or flow well together

Grammar Patterns

integrated + noun (system, approach, solution)

Usage Note

Usually placed before the noun it describes, as in 'integrated system' or 'integrated approach.' When used predicatively (e.g., 'the system is integrated'), the focus shifts to result rather than design.

Common Mistakes

The report was integrated of many different ideas.
The report integrated many different ideas.
'integrated' as an adjective does not take 'of'; use the verb form with a direct object instead.
This is a very integrate system.
This is a very integrated system.
the adjectival form is 'integrated,' not 'integrate.'

2. describing a place or group where people from different ethnic, cultural, or rel

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

describing a place or group where people from different ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds share daily life and activities as equals

Example

The city's most integrated neighbourhood includes families from over thirty different countries.

collocation: integrated neighbourhood + nationality range

Vivek's children attend an integrated school where students of all backgrounds learn together.

Common collocations
  • integrated community
  • integrated school
  • integrated neighbourhood
  • integrated workplace
  • integrated society
  • racially integrated
Synonyms
  • desegregated

    more specific to the historical process of ending racial separation by law

  • diverse

    broader term; does not necessarily imply active mixing or equal participation

  • inclusive

    emphasises deliberate efforts to include all groups rather than the resulting mix

  • mixed

    informal and less specific; can apply to any combination of social groups

Antonyms
  • segregated

    groups kept apart by law, policy, or custom, especially by race

  • divided

    broader term for any situation where groups are kept separate

Grammar Patterns

integrated + noun (community, school, neighbourhood)

Usage Note

Commonly used to describe schools, neighbourhoods, or workplaces that actively include people of diverse backgrounds. Historically, the term is closely tied to racial desegregation movements, especially in the United States. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense concerns people and social settings, not technical systems.

Common Mistakes

a fully integrated' (without a noun).
a fully integrated community
the adjective 'integrated' usually requires a noun; it is rarely used alone except in fixed contexts like 'racially integrated.'

Word family

  • integrate
    verbB2
  • integration
    nounB2
  • integrative
    adjectiveC1
  • disintegrate
    verbC1
  • disintegration
    nounC1
  • integrator
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe things brought together, but they differ in what they highlight. 'Combined' is the most general — it simply means two or more items exist together, without implying they work well as a unit (e.g., 'a combined report of both departments'). 'Unified' suggests a stronger merger, where the parts lose their separate identity to form one entity ('a unified database'). 'Coordinated' focuses on timing and cooperation between parts that remain distinct ('a coordinated marketing campaign across different platforms'). 'Seamless' is the most evaluative, praising the smoothness of the connection so that no gaps are visible ('a seamless checkout experience'). Use 'integrated' when the goal is purposeful, efficient functioning as a whole — for example, 'The school uses an integrated learning platform where grades, attendance, and assignments are all managed in one place.'

combinedunifiedcoordinatedseamless ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • racially integrated
  • fully integrated
  • highly integrated

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word 'integrated' comes from the Latin verb 'integrare' meaning 'to make whole,' which itself comes from 'integer' (whole, untouched). The sense of bringing separate parts together into a unified whole has been present since the 1600s. The social meaning — referring to the mixing of racial or cultural groups — developed in the mid-20th century, particularly during the civil rights movement in the United States.