adjective

state of the art

stayt uhv thee ART

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State of the art (adjective) means using the most advanced methods or technology currently available. Example: “The hospital has a state-of-the-art imaging suite.”

adjective

Using the most advanced methods or technology currently available.

"The hospital has a state-of-the-art imaging suite."

"Their state-of-the-art recording studio cost four million."

noun

The highest level of development reached in a field at a given time.

"This model represents the state of the art in weather forecasting."

"In patent law, the state of the art is everything already made public before the filing date."

How to use state of the art

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs good and as modern as it currently gets.

When to use it

Hyphenated before a noun (a state-of-the-art lab) and open after the verb (the lab is state of the art). Heavily overused in marketing, which has weakened it.

Memory tip

Do not hyphenate the noun phrase: "this is the state of the art", but "a state-of-the-art system".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cutting-edge → bleeding-edge prior art

Common pairings

state-of-the-art facility state-of-the-art technology represents the state of the art

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “state of the art” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

This model represents the _____ in weather forecasting.

Etymology

From art in its older sense of a practical skill or craft, as in the arts and sciences, so the phrase means the current condition of the craft.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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cutting-edge leading-edge advanced latest

Antonyms

outdated obsolete primitive

Related words

new old modern recent developed latest initial advanced

Rhymes for state of the art

heart lionheart sweetheart braveheart

See all rhymes for state of the art →

Frequently asked questions

Is state of the art hyphenated?

Hyphenate it when it comes directly before the noun it describes: a state-of-the-art kitchen. Leave the hyphens out when it follows the verb: the kitchen is state of the art.

What is the difference between state of the art and cutting edge?

State of the art means the best that is currently established and available. Cutting edge, and more so bleeding edge, suggests something newer and less proven, still being pioneered and possibly still risky.

What is the meaning of state of the art?

"state of the art" (adjective) means using the most advanced methods or technology currently available.

What is another word for state of the art?

Other words for "state of the art" include cutting-edge, leading-edge, advanced, latest.

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new old modern recent developed latest initial advanced