C1adjectiveformalcrimemoney
US/ˈkaʊn.tər.fɪt/
UK/ˈkaʊn.tə.fɪt/
made as a copy of something valuable, such as money or brand goods, to trick people
In context
The police found a warehouse full of counterfeit handbags.
Shops must check large bills in case they are counterfeit.
Buying counterfeit medicine from unknown websites online can be very dangerous.
Words that go with counterfeit
adjective + noun
- counterfeit moneyHe was arrested for passing counterfeit money.
- counterfeit goodsCustoms officers seized thousands of counterfeit goods.
- counterfeit productsCounterfeit products hurt honest businesses.
- counterfeit billThe cashier spotted a counterfeit bill right away.
- counterfeit labelThe jacket had a counterfeit label sewn inside.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This bag is counterfeited.Correct: This bag is counterfeit.