Phrase guide

industrial complex

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A large factory or a concentration of industry in a limited geographical area.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • the Ruhr industrial complex

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A network of entwined interests between individuals and institutions in the private sector and the public sector resulting in coordination in order to achieve mutually beneficial results, especially to the detriment of broader society.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: in-compounds, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The individuals and institutions in such a relationship.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Back-formation from military–industrial complex.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: teollisuuskompleksi — large factory or concentration of industry
  • German: Industrieviertel — large factory or concentration of industry
  • German: Industriegebiet — large factory or concentration of industry
  • Spanish: complejo industrial — large factory or concentration of industry
  • Spanish: factoría — large factory or concentration of industry
  • Spanish: obraje — large factory or concentration of industry