ersatz

Definition

inauthentic or inadequate substitute or imitation

Etymology

Borrowed from German Ersatz (“replacement”); and from the German ersetzen (“to replace”, verb).

Example Sentences

• "Back then, we could only get ersatz coffee."
• "In these days of “rolled” gold, electro-plate, and undetectable pearls, it is curious that almost the only honest Ersatz material known to the goldsmith's art should be utterly forgotten."
• "Ersatzgas, Ersatzpfennige. Ersatz has become a brave word in Germany. As a substantive it means War Reparations. As part of compounded words it means substitute."