Contrived

The adjective 'contrived' describes something that is deliberately created or arranged in a way that seems artificial, forced, or unnatural. It often implies a lack of spontaneity, authenticity, or genuine emotion. A contrived situation is often overly planned or manipulated to achieve a specific effect, often revealing its artificial construction to the observer. The term can also suggest a lack of ingenuity or originality, as the method of creating a contrived situation or object is perceived as somewhat clumsy or obvious. The core meaning emphasizes something deliberately created, often to an exaggerated degree.

Contrived meaning with examples

• The movie's plot felt contrived; the coincidences were too numerous and unbelievable, making the narrative less engaging. Characters acted out of character, their motivations seemed forced, and the dramatic tension felt artificial, failing to resonate with the audience. It seemed the writer was forcing certain outcomes to happen rather than letting the story unfold naturally.
• The politician’s display of empathy seemed contrived, as if it was a calculated performance rather than genuine concern. Their words, while expressing sympathy, lacked sincerity, leaving a negative impression. The gestures appeared rehearsed, suggesting a lack of genuine emotional connection with the issue at hand.
• The artist's painting felt contrived; the composition, color palette, and subject matter combined to create an artificial impression. There was no freshness or originality, as the work seemed to draw heavily on pre-existing ideas. The overall result felt uninspired.
• The ending of the novel was contrived, with a sudden and improbable resolution that contradicted the previous plot. The characters behaved inconsistently in an attempt to force a particular conclusion, resulting in the story falling flat. The hurried and clumsy final chapters were a letdown for the readers.
• The company's apology for the scandal was contrived, using carefully chosen words and a bland tone to avoid taking any real responsibility. It lacked transparency, and the superficiality of the statement alienated many consumers. It appeared to be a marketing tactic rather than a genuine attempt to address the problem.