Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Extensive in scope or size: "large-scale" describes something that involves or affects a very wide area, many people, or a significant amount of resources.
   • Produced or made in large quantities: In manufacturing or production, "large-scale" refers to operations that produce goods in high volume.

2. Noun (rarely used as a noun):

   • A map drawn to a large scale: In cartography, a "large-scale" map shows a small area with great detail.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company launched a large-scale marketing campaign across the country. (The campaign was extensive and affected many regions.)
  • They are planning a large-scale evacuation due to the approaching hurricane. (The evacuation involves a very large number of people.)
  • Large-scale farming requires advanced machinery and irrigation systems. (Farming on a huge area with high output.)

Advanced Usage

• "On a large scale": as an adverbial phrase meaning extensively or broadly.
  • The government is investing in renewable energy on a large scale. (They are making a very significant investment.)
  • Small changes can lead to large-scale improvements over time. (Improvements that affect many aspects.)

Variants and Related Words

• Large-scale (adj): the hyphenated form is standard for attributive use (before a noun).
  • A large-scale project (a project of great size).
• Large scale (noun phrase): used without a hyphen when it follows the noun or stands alone.
  • This map is drawn to a large scale. (The map has a high level of detail.)

Synonyms

• Extensive: covering a large area or range.
• Massive: very large in size, amount, or degree.
• Widespread: affecting a large number of people or a large area.
• Broad: including many kinds or types; wide in scope.

Related Idioms

• On a grand scale: in a very impressive or ambitious way.
  • They celebrated their anniversary on a grand scale. (They did so with great extravagance.)
• Scale up: to increase in size or output.
  • The startup plans to scale up its operations next year. (To expand significantly.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Scale up: to increase the size or volume of something.
  • The factory scaled up production to meet demand. (They increased output.)
• Scale down: to reduce in size or extent.
  • The company had to scale down its plans due to budget cuts. (They made them smaller.)