refurbishment

Everyday

1. Refurbishment is the work of repairing, cleaning and redecorating a building or room so it looks and works like new. tree →
2. A refurbishment is one such job, for example on a library, a shop or a school hall. tree →
3. The repairing and cleaning of a used machine, such as a phone or computer, so it can be sold again. tree →

In the lessons

Seen on signs («Closed for refurbishment») and in news about schools, swimming pools and shops. In everyday life a «refurbished» phone or laptop is a used one fixed up and sold cheaper. In stories it tells the reader a place is being made new. Phrases: «closed for refurbishment», «undergo a refurbishment», «a major refurbishment».

Examples

• The swimming pool is closed for refurbishment until after the holidays. tree →
• The school library had a refurbishment, and now it has bright beanbags. tree →
• The refurbishment of the old cinema took many months. tree →
• Mum bought a refurbished laptop because it was cheaper. tree →
• During the refurbishment, our class had lessons in the hall. tree →
• The museum reopened after a big refurbishment. tree →
• Builders carried out the refurbishment of the playground toilets. tree →

Note

From the verb «refurbish» (refurbish, refurbishes, refurbished, refurbishing) and adjective «refurbished». Longer and more formal than «doing up» (UK) or «fixing up» (US). Not the same as «rebuilding»: refurbishment keeps the building and renews the inside.