The main definitions of the adjective ersatz are (1) serving as a substitute, and (2) artificial. It’s a German loanword of relatively recent origin (late 19th century), but it’s well established in English and hence doesn’t need to be italicized in normal use.
Like the synonymous French loanword faux, ersatz can sound pretentious. Consider alternatives such as artificial, fake, imitation, synthetic, bogus, and counterfeit. If none of these reliable English words sounds quite right, ersatz is okay.
Examples
Above all, it is Oprah’s incontinent sentimentality that I find so objectionable, the elevation of ersatz emotion over any critical thought. [Telegraph]
Like Thor’s hammer, this ersatz epic bludgeons its victims into submission. [Wall Street Journal]
Rather than relearning its own cuisine, Britain turned to an ersatz version of Italy’s, one that was geographically and culturally inappropriate. [Sydney Morning Herald]
