machine-centeredness
|ma-chine-cent-er-ed-ness|
🇺🇸
/məˈʃiːn ˈsɛntɚdnəs/
🇬🇧
/məˈʃiːn ˈsɛntədnəs/
making machines central
Etymology
'machine-centeredness' is a modern English compound formed from 'machine' + 'centered' + the nominalizing suffix '-ness'; the compound emerged in late 20th to early 21st century usage in discussions of automation and design.
'machine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'machina', ultimately from Greek 'μηχανή' (mēkhanē) meaning 'device' or 'contrivance'; 'centered' comes from 'center', from Latin 'centrum' via Old French and Medieval Latin; the suffix '-ness' comes from Old English '-ness(a)'. Combined in modern English, these parts produced 'machine-centeredness' as a noun meaning the state of being centered on machines.
Initially, the components referred simply to a 'machine' and the state of being 'centered'; over time the coined compound came to denote the evaluative social and design tendency of prioritizing machines over human considerations.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or tendency of placing machines, automation, or technical systems at the center of decision-making, design, or value judgments; prioritizing machines over human needs or perspectives.
Critics warned that the company's machine-centeredness was undermining employee well-being.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
having the characteristic of machine-centeredness; oriented toward machines or technical systems when making choices or designing processes.
The report highlighted a machine-centeredness approach in several departments that ignored user feedback.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a manner that places machines at the center; with a focus on machines rather than human factors.
Policies were implemented machine-centeredness, leading to reduced usability for staff.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/16 10:05