Meaning & use
hypoallergenic
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparable
Designed or made to be unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Grammar: Used before a noun: hypoallergenic soap. It is not usually used after a verb or with 'very'.
Patterns
- hypoallergenic + noun
She switched to hypoallergenic makeup because her skin reacted badly to her old brand.
The label says these earrings are hypoallergenic, so they should be safe for sensitive ears.
Doctors often recommend hypoallergenic bedding for children with asthma.
Common combinations
- hypoallergenic makeup
- She only buys hypoallergenic makeup to avoid skin irritation.
- hypoallergenic bedding
- Hypoallergenic bedding can help reduce dust mites in the bedroom.
- hypoallergenic formula
- Some babies need hypoallergenic formula if they are allergic to cow's milk.
- hypoallergenic jewelry
- Hypoallergenic jewelry is popular among people with metal allergies.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nonallergenic
- Nonallergenic means 'not causing allergies', but it is less common and sometimes used more loosely than hypoallergenic, which suggests the product has been specially made to reduce allergy risk.
- allergy-friendly
- Allergy-friendly is a general marketing term meaning suitable for people with allergies; hypoallergenic is more technical and suggests a lower chance of reaction.
Opposites
Word family
- hypoallergenicity noun
- The quality or state of being hypoallergenic.
Commonly confused: hypoallergenic or hypoallergenic vs. hypoallergenic?
hypoallergenic vs hypoallergenic vs. hypoallergenic
Learners sometimes confuse hypoallergenic with 'hypoallergenic' itself; the prefix 'hypo-' means 'less than normal', so hypoallergenic means less likely to cause allergies, not completely allergy-free.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
Hypoallergenic is not gradable, so it is not used with 'very' or in comparative forms like 'more hypoallergenic'. It is an adjective and needs a verb like 'is' in a sentence.
Make it your own
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