Ersatz means a substitute or imitation, usually one that is inferior to the real thing.

Quick Scoop

It’s often used to describe something that looks or serves like the original, but feels fake, cheaper, or lower quality. For example, you might hear “ersatz coffee” for a coffee substitute that isn’t made from real coffee beans.

In plain English

  • Noun: a substitute or imitation.
  • Adjective: artificial, copied, or second-rate.

Example

  • “The movie set had an ersatz old-town feel.”
  • Meaning: it was made to imitate an old town, but wasn’t authentic.

If you want, I can also give you a one-word synonym list or the etymology of ersatz.